Lance Stroll Receives 'Military Escort' After Las Vegas Grand Prix Incident
Lance Stroll faced an unusual challenge after retiring on the first lap of the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to a collision with Gabriel Bortoleto. With roads closed, Stroll required a 'military group' escort via golf buggy to return to the paddock, a journey that took 40 laps. Despite the frustrating early exit, Stroll calmly attributed the collision to cold conditions and accepted Bortoleto's unintentional contact.
Lance Stroll's short-lived Las Vegas Grand Prix took an unexpected turn after a first-lap collision, requiring him to be 'escorted' back to the F1 paddock by a 'military group.' The Aston Martin driver retired on the opening lap following contact with Gabriel Bortoleto, leading to an unusual post-race journey.
Why it matters:
- Stroll's early retirement in Las Vegas marked a frustrating end to his race, but the unique circumstances of his return to the paddock highlight the logistical complexities and security measures inherent in major events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
- The incident itself, while unfortunate, also provides insight into driver perspectives on race collisions, emphasizing sportsmanship even in high-stakes situations.
The Details:
- First-Lap Retirement: Lance Stroll's evening in Las Vegas concluded after just one corner when Gabriel Bortoleto's car made contact with his AMR25, causing terminal damage.
- Repeat Incident: This was the second consecutive race where the two drivers had collided, though Stroll maintained a calm demeanor regarding the incident.
- Driver's Perspective: Stroll commented on the collision, stating, "Gabi didn't do it on purpose. It happens sometimes in these cold conditions, you lock up, and you lose control of the car. So yeah, it's not fun for either of us, but he didn't do it on purpose. It's racing, it can happen, these things."
- Apology Offer: When informed that Bortoleto wished to apologize, Stroll noted he was on the opposite side of the circuit for the majority of the race but accepted the gesture, calling Bortoleto "a good kid."
- Unusual Return: Due to closed roads and the grand prix's setup, Stroll couldn't easily return to the paddock. He eventually boarded a golf buggy and was then 'escorted' by a 'military group' to make his way back.
- Duration of Return: The journey took approximately 40 laps of the race to complete, highlighting the difficulties in navigating the circuit area during an active event.
What's next:
Stroll's focus will now shift to the upcoming races, putting the Las Vegas incident behind him. While the race itself was brief, his experience sheds light on the unforeseen challenges drivers can face beyond the track, even after an early exit. The incident serves as a unique anecdote from a memorable race weekend.