Following Daniel Ricciardo’s FP2 incident, Scuderia AlphaTauri released an official statement, confirming he will be replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of the weekend at Zandvoort after sustaining a wrist injury on his left hand on Friday.
An unfortunate crash into the barriers at Zandvoort Turn 3 early in FP2 saw Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo stepping out of the car, holding his left hand in pain.
Soon after, he was taken to the medical center, leaving with his left arm in a sling on his way to the local hospital for further examinations, where an X-ray revealed a break to a metacarpal on his left hand.
“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,” reads a statement released by AlphaTauri on Friday evening.
Ricciardo took avoiding action against fellow countryman Oscar Piastri, who had crashed his McLaren into the barriers just ahead.
In that regard, the 34-year-old from Perth outlined: “I remember coming into Turn 3. I had already gotten into the corner and saw Piastri, so it was either hit him or the wall. When I hit the wall, I didn’t have enough time to take my hands off the steering wheel, so the wheel came and hit my hand. It’s really unfortunate and frustrating, but I’ll try to recover as quickly as I can.”
Adding: “Obviously, I’d love to get back soon, but I also want to ensure we do things the right way so I come back strong and competitive.”
The 8-time race winner was taking part in his third Grand Prix weekend since returning to F1, the first since race action resumed following summer break.
The charismatic driver joined the Faenza outfit on loan from Red Bull Racing at the Hungarian Grand Prix, subbing in for Nyck De Vries, who was sacked by the team mid-season.
“I wish the team well, and I’m sorry for the change in plans again. It’s a chance for Liam to have a go, and I wish him and the team a strong weekend,” Ricciardo said.
Reserve driver Liam Lawson will step in for the Aussie at the wheel of the AT04 from FP3 onwards.
On Sunday, the 21-year-old will become the 10th driver from New Zealand to contest a Grand Prix, making his debut on the Formula 1 grid.
Last season, he made his maiden FP1 appearance driving for AlphaTauri at the Belgian GP, taking part in a second outing with the outfit in Mexico.
He…
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