Formula 1 April break allows Lance Stroll to make GT World Challenge debut at Paul Ricard

The move comes as the Formula 1 calendar pauses following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to the ongoing Middle East situation. The disruption has created a five week gap between races, offering drivers an unexpected window for additional track time.

Stroll will race an Aston Martin Vantage GT3, entered by Comtoyou Racing, across the April 11 to 12 weekend that was originally scheduled for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

He will share the car with former Manor F1 Team driver Roberto Merhi and Aston Martin junior Mari Boya, currently competing in Formula 2.

The event marks Stroll’s first competitive outing in GT machinery, expanding his racing portfolio beyond Formula 1 and previous endurance appearances. He has prior experience in long distance racing, having competed twice in the 24 Hours of Daytona, with a best finish of fifth in 2016.

The opportunity arrives at a difficult time for Stroll in Formula 1. The Aston Martin driver has yet to see the chequered flag in any of the opening three Grands Prix of the 2026 season, excluding the China Sprint, underlining a troubled start for both driver and team.

Stroll is not alone in using the unexpected break to explore other racing disciplines. Max Verstappen has already confirmed plans to make his debut at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May, signalling a broader trend among Formula 1 drivers seeking competitive mileage outside the championship.

For Stroll, the Paul Ricard outing offers a reset of sorts, combining valuable seat time with a different racing environment as Aston Martin continues to search for answers ahead of the next Formula 1 round.