Unwell Stroll misses F1 Eifel GP final practice, Hulkenberg on standby

Lance Stroll will not participate in final practice for Formula 1’s Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring due to being unwell.

Stroll did not emerge during the early stages of FP3 on Saturday morning at the Nurburgring with his Racing Point team confirming he will miss the entire session due to “not feeling 100%”.

It means Racing Point is down to just one car for the final 60-minute practice session, with Sergio Perez driving the other RP20.

“Lance Stroll is not feeling 100% this morning and will therefore not participate in FP3,” Racing Point said in a statement.

“His condition will be assessed after the session to evaluate whether he is fit to drive, at which point the team will confirm plans for qualifying.”

Under F1's sporting regulations, drivers must participate in at least one practice session in order to take part in qualifying, though the FIA may allow an exemption in Stroll's case given Friday's practice sessions were cancelled due to poor weather. 

Should Stroll not be deemed fit to participate in qualifying, Racing Point would need to call upon the services of a reserve driver.

It is understood that Racing Point has called up Nico Hulkenberg as a standby option to replace Stroll if needed.

The German made a surprise return to F1 this season at the two Silverstone rounds as he deputised for Perez after he tested positive for coronavirus.

One potential stumbling block standing in the way of a third appearance this season for Hulkenberg would be that he would need to provide a negative coronavirus test before he can enter the F1 paddock and Racing Point’s ‘bubble’.

It is not certain whether this could be provided in time for Hulkenberg to take part in qualifying if required.

Racing Point also shares Mercedes reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez.