David Croft names F1 driver he’s ‘very much in awe of’ in Singapore GP qualifying

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Lance Stroll left David Croft in ‘awe’ during qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix for the Aston Martin driver’s ‘presence of mind’ following his horrifying crash late in Q1.

The 24-year-old brought the first stage of qualifying around the Marina Bay Street Circuit to an abrupt end on Saturday. Stroll crashed violently exiting the final corner and destroyed his Aston Martin. He flicked off the road at 150mph and aggressively slammed into the barrier.

Stroll understeered wide as he sped through Turn 18 and straddled the exit kerb. His Aston Martin then snapped to the left as it regripped the track before snapping again and flinging Stroll to the right. It left the Canadian with zero chance to avoid the very high-speed impact.

Lance Stroll had a violent crash in Singapore GP qualifying

Aston Martin now have a job on their hands to repair the Montreal native’s car ahead of the Singapore GP. The force of Stroll’s impact with the barrier was enough to tear the front-left wheel from its tethers. His tyre flew back across the circuit, avoiding Lando Norris’ McLaren.

Stroll allayed fears over his status after reporting over the radio to Aston Martin that he was ok. He was also able to climb out of his stricken cockpit unaided. But, as is standard protocol in Formula 1, the driver still attended the on-site medical facilities to be checked for injuries.

David Croft ‘in awe of’ the Aston Martin driver’s awareness

Replays of Stroll’s high-speed crash highlighted the sheer force of the Aston Martin driver’s off in Singapore GP qualifying. His head wobbled violently from side to side as his car came to a rest on the racing line. It also showed the gains made in F1’s safety for him to climb out.

Sky Sports F1 commentator, Croft, also praised Stroll’s awareness whilst watching replays of his crash. He admired how the Canadian had the mindfulness to remove his hands from the steering wheel before the car crashed into the wall. It helped to ensure he avoided an injury.

Croft said on Sky Sports F1 (16/9, 14:46): “Every time I look at that I am very much in awe of the presence of mind of Lance Stroll to take his hands off the steering wheel.

“Because he did not have much time before he realised where that was going to do just that and that could have been very nasty.”