F1: Ricciardo breaks hand, Lawson to replace him

AlphaTauri F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is out of the Dutch GP after breaking a bone in his left hand from his crash during Practice 2.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Red Bull Reserve Driver Liam Lawson will replace him for the remainder of the weekend.

The incident occurred just 10 minutes into the session at the Zandvoort circuit and occurred as Ricciardo appeared to take evasive action to prevent a broadside smash into fellow Australian Oscar Piastri’s McLaren.

Piastri lost control of his MCL60 on the approach to the banked Turn 3, leading to him plowing into the TecPro barrier lining the corner, and leaving his car perpendicular to the wall.

A few seconds later, and as the first car onto the scene, Ricciardo was confronted with the visual sight of a stricken Piastri.

Formula 1 is back after a short break.
Not one, but two Aussies hit the barriers at the second practice session at Zandvoort #dutchGP. First Oscar Piastri and soon after Daniel Ricciardo.
Unfortunately, Ricciardo broke his hand in the crash and is out of the Sunday race. pic.twitter.com/S2UqGvqGU7

— Tony (@TonyL_01) August 25, 2023

He forgot to let go of the steering wheel, it snapped in his hand and broke a bone.

A team statement read: “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.”