Lance Stroll made his much-anticipated debut in GT racing on April 9, 2026, at the Circuit Paul Ricard. Competing for the #18 Comtoyou Racing team, Stroll faced a challenging race that resulted in a 48th place finish after his team received over eight minutes of penalties.
During the six-hour race, Stroll shared the Aston Martin GT3 Vantage with teammates Roberto Merhi and Mari Boya. Stroll himself was responsible for one minute of penalties for failing to respect blue flags and accumulated an additional 115 seconds for exceeding track limits.
The race at Circuit Paul Ricard, a venue known for hosting the French Grand Prix, saw the #7 Comtoyou Racing team take the victory. Stroll’s team struggled with technical issues that ultimately led to a late retirement, classifying them in 48th place.
Despite the challenges, Stroll managed to record the eighth-fastest lap of the race, showcasing his potential in a new racing discipline. This event marked Stroll’s return to competitive racing in sports cars after a hiatus since 2018.
Stroll expressed his enthusiasm for the experience, stating, “If everything comes together, winning is possible.” He also thanked his team, saying, “Thank you for making this possible.” His comments reflect a positive outlook despite the difficulties faced during the race.
Jean-Michel Baert, a representative of Comtoyou Racing, noted the significance of having a driver of Stroll’s caliber on their team, saying, “Having someone like him choose our team is a huge recognition of our work.”
Stroll described the differences between GT racing and his previous experiences, mentioning, “It’s different – less downforce, less power – but it moves more.” This insight highlights the adjustments he is making as he transitions into GT racing.
As Stroll continues to adapt to this new environment, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he develops in the coming races. His primary objective for the weekend was simply to have fun while competing, a sentiment that resonates with many in the motorsport community.
Overall, Stroll’s debut in GT racing has set the stage for what could be an exciting new chapter in his racing career, despite the immediate setbacks encountered during the race.
