Lance Stroll open to more GT3 races after “great fun” debut

Lance Stroll’s GT3 debut at Paul Ricard was a mix of excitement and setbacks. His Comtoyou‑run Aston Martin Vantage GT3 #18 collected penalties and retired with a gear‑selection fault, but the driver called the night “great fun” and said he’d like to race again when his F1 program allows.

Why it matters:

• F1 drivers can sharpen racecraft in endurance‑style GT racing.
• Highlights the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 as a competitive platform for top talent.
• Gives fans cross‑disciplinary action during the F1 summer break.

The details:

• Entry: Stroll teamed with former Manor driver Roberto Merhi and Aston Martin Academy rookie Mari Boya in Comtoyou Racing’s #18.
• Qualifying/Start: The car qualified 15th; Boya fell out of the top‑30 early in the race.
• Penalties: A total of 8 min 25 sec in penalties – blue‑flag infringements and track‑limit breaches – hampered the effort.
• Retirement: A gear‑selection issue forced a pit‑lane retirement before Stroll’s final two‑hour stint.
• Performance: Stroll felt he was among the fastest, improving lap times lap‑by‑lap despite limited preparation, and praised the Vantage GT3’s pace and handling.

What's next:

• The GT World Challenge round at Magny‑Cours lines up with the F1 mid‑season break, offering a natural window for Stroll’s return.
• Stroll says he’ll consider more GT3 outings when his calendar permits, keeping the door open for future cross‑disciplinary races.
• Aston Martin can leverage his involvement to boost the Vantage GT3’s profile among F1 fans as the sport adjusts to a reduced 22‑race schedule.