©RedBull

Daniel Ricciardo was back behind the wheel of an F1 car on Saturday for the first time since his unfortunate mishap at the Dutch Grand Prix last August.

The Aussie has recovered from the fractured metacarpal he sustained when he hit the barrier in free practice at Zandvoort, and after a period of rehabilitation and several hours of training in Red Bull’s simulator, the AlphaTauri charger declared himself fit for duty.

Ahead of next weekend’s US Grand Prix in Austin, Ricciardo took part on Saturday in Nashville in a Red Bull show run where he blew away the crowd gathered on Broadway at the wheel of a 2011 RB7.

“A little update: simulator’s been going well, hand is feeling good to drive,” Ricciardo said in a video posted on social media by Red Bull. “Everyone knows I love Austin, wouldn’t miss that one for the world.

“But before that, a little stop off in Nashville. We’re here for the show run this weekend. See you on Broadway if you’re here on Saturday, otherwise we’ll see you in Austin.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

1 hour ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

3 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

4 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

5 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

7 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

7 hours ago