11 April 2026PlanetF1Race reportDriver Ratings
Stroll posts 1:54.472 lap on GT3 qualifying debut at Paul Ricard
F1 driver Lance Stroll made his GT3 debut at Paul Ricard, posting a 1:54.472 lap to qualify 15th (11th in Pro). Fastest was 1:53.676 by Mari Boya; teammate Roberto Merhi was 0.005 s quicker.
Lance Stroll clocked a 1:54.472 lap in the second segment of GT World Challenge Europe qualifying at Circuit Paul Ricard, putting the #18 Comtoyou Racing Aston Martin Vantage AMR‑GT3 Evo 15th overall and 11th in the Pro class on his first GT3 outing.
Why it matters:
- An F1 driver stepping into GT3 offers valuable seat time during the F1 off‑season and showcases Aston Martin’s driver development pathway.
- Strong qualifying performance signals Stroll’s adaptability and keeps the brand in the spotlight ahead of the 2026 F1 season.
The details:
- Lap times – Stroll’s best lap: 1:54.472; teammate Roberto Merhi was 0.005 s quicker; the team’s fastest lap came from F2‑grade Mari Boya at 1:53.676.
- Team position – Combined average of 1:54.205 placed the trio 15th overall, 11th among Pro entries.
- Car – #18 Aston Martin Vantage AMR‑GT3 Evo, fielded by Comtoyou Racing.
- Context – Opening round of the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe; qualifying split into three driver‑specific segments.
What’s next:
- The six‑hour night race at Paul Ricard will test the squad’s race‑pace and tyre management.
- Stroll has hinted that a solid result could influence his role within Aston Martin’s 2026 F1 programme, where the team is still chasing its first point.
- A strong finish would reinforce the driver‑development link between Aston Martin’s F1 and GT efforts, potentially opening doors for further cross‑disciplinary assignments.