Daniel Ricciardo to miss Dutch GP after fracturing his hand in car crash during practice

AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo will miss this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix after fracturing his left hand, on Friday, in a crash during practice ahead of the Formula One race. The 34-year-old Australian was injured when he crashed into the barriers during the second practice in Zandvoort and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Liam Lawson will replace him, and make his F1 debut.

3 things you need to know

• Daniel Ricciardo has been ruled out of the Dutch GP following an accident diring practice
• The Race Day falls on Sunday, August 27, 2023
• Max Verstappen is No.1 in the starting grid

Also Read | Max Verstappen Eyes Ninth Straight F1 Win After Another Dutch GP Pole. Lando Norris Second Fastest

Daniel Ricciardo inflicted with painful injury after car crash

AlphaTauri said Ricciardo fractured a bone in his left hand and will be replaced by reserve driver Liam Lawson, a 21-year-old New Zealander who is set to make his F1 debut. Lawson finished third in the F2 championship last year. “It’s really unfortunate and frustrating, but I’ll try to recover as quickly as I can,” Ricciardo said. ”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, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, was axed by McLaren at the end of last year but returned to F1 last month to replace Nyck de Vries for the rest of the season. (With inputs from AP)

A nasty moment for our Aussie pair during FP2

Daniel Ricciardo is being checked at the local hospital after the collision#DutchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/RXdiSBLbtx

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 25, 2023

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First comments after crash

On-board replays appeared to show Ricciardo turn into the barrier on purpose to avoid smashing into the McLaren. And he has now confirmed that was the case, speaking for the first time after news of his injury was announced. "I was very excited to be back after the break," he said.

"The day was going pretty well. We made some changes for FP2 and the few laps I did on the hard tyre before the crash felt good – we were building up and improving. At that time, we were pretty competitive, and I was feeling positive.

"I remember coming into Turn 3. I had already got into the corner and then 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," Ricciardo said.