Daniel Ricciardo will miss this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix following a crash during second practice at Zandvoort.
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
Early on in second practice fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri crashed at the heavily banked turn 3 as he lost the rear of the car. With nowhere to go to avoid him, Ricciardo ended up hitting the barriers himself.
It was clear the 8-time Grand Prix winner was in distress immediately as it took him time to get out of the car. He was holding his left hand and wrist. Ricciardo had not taken his hand off the steering wheel as he hit the barriers.
Confirmation came through on Friday evening from AlphaTauri that Ricciardo had a hand injury and his weekend was over. It’s to be awaited how long he will be out of action for.
AlphaTauri statement
“After today’s incident during Free Practice 2 in Zandvoort, in which Daniel Ricciardo hit the barrier at Turn 3, he was brought to the local hospital and further examinations were carried out. An X-ray confirmed he sustained a break to a metacarpal on his left hand, and this injury will not allow him to continue his duties, so he will be replaced by the team’s reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of this weekend. The team wishes him all the best for the quickest possible recovery.”
This unfortunate accident has opened the door for Liam Lawson to make his F1 debut this weekend.
The Red Bull junior is a former Formula 2 and Formula 3 race winner. The young Kiwi has impressed in Japan this year in the Super Formula series as he sits 2nd in the championship ahead of the final round at Suzuka.
Lawson is no stranger to F1 machinery as he took part in three practice sessions last year between AlphaTauri and Red Bull Racing as part of the mandatory running for rookie drivers.
Nonetheless, he’s been thrown into the deep end with this sudden opportunity. With only FP3 to prepare before qualifying and the race, a tough test awaits the New Zealander.
Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool
