Lance Stroll is back in town for the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix. And like any good local, he made time for a Montreal smoked meat sandwich before things got serious.
The Montreal-born F1 driver dropped by Lester's Deli in Outremont this week with members of his Aston Martin team, and the moment didn't go unnoticed. The team shared photos on Instagram showing Stroll grinning behind the counter and soaking up the old-school vibes of one of the city's most iconic spots.
Stroll is no stranger to the local institution, though. In a 2024 BBC Travel interview, he called Lester's a personal favourite, deeming it an "institution."
"I took a bunch of the mechanics and engineers there for a good sandwich last season," he said. "It was a lot of fun, and most importantly, everyone loved the food."
He also shouted out his favourite bagel spot, giving the honour to R.E.A.L Bagel.
Stroll's homecoming comes after some doubt about whether the 26-year-old would even be racing in Montreal. He recently underwent a wrist procedure, and there were questions about whether he'd be able to recover in time for his home Grand Prix. But on Wednesday, he confirmed what local racing fans wanted to hear.
"I am excited to get back behind the wheel with the team for my home Grand Prix this weekend," he said. "I was always going to fight hard to be ready to race in front of the Montreal crowd. I'm feeling good after my procedure and put some laps in at Paul Ricard this week to prepare. Thanks for all the support, see you guys this weekend!"
Stroll has made it onto an F1 podium three times in his career, but he's never had a big breakthrough at home. His best result in Montreal is ninth place — a spot he's finished in three times: 2017, 2019, and again in 2023.
Taking place at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Île Notre-Dame, the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix officially kicks off on Friday afternoon.
2025 Canadian Grand Prix weekend schedule
Friday, June 13
- Practice 1: 1:30 p.m. ET
- Practice 2: 5:00 p.m. ET
Saturday, June 14
- Practice 3: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Qualifying: 4:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, June 15
- Race: 2:00 p.m. ET
