F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo hoping for speedy recovery but 'in the right way'

Daniel Ricciardo says he'll try to recover as quickly as possible, but "in the right way", to come back strong following his crash at Zandvoort on Friday in which  the AlphaTauri driver suffered a broken hand.

Ricciardo clouted the barrier in Friday's second practice when he lost control of his car on the approach to Turn 3 where McLaren's Oscar Piastri had crashed just seconds earlier.

Unfortunately, the Aussie was still gripping his steering wheel when his car hit the outside Tecpro barrier,the whip-back movement instantly breaking his left hand.

"I remember coming into Turn 3. I had already gotten into the corner and then saw Piastri, so it was either hit him or the wall," said Ricciardo.

"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."

After visiting Zandvoort's medical center, Ricciardo was taken to a local hospital where X-Rays revealed a fractured metacarpal.

It's unclear how long Ricciardo will remain on the mend but it's likely that Liam Lawson who will deputise for the Aussie this weekend will also fill in for the AlphaTauri driver next week at Monza.

We’ll see how it goes next week in Monza," said AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost. "Maybe he needs surgery. The doctors will decide on that in the coming days.

"The recovery for a normal person is six weeks, but he is an F1 driver and hopefully it will go a bit faster for him. We’d like him back in the car, but it’s done now."

It is believed that Red Bull has already contacted renowned MotoGP surgeon Doctor Xavier Mir – who looked after Lance Stroll earlier this year following the Canadian's cycling accident that ruledhim out of pre-season testing – to help fast-track Ricciardo's recovery.

However, the eight-time Grand Prix winner made clear that he wants to recover "in the right way".

"It's really unfortunate and frustrating, but I’ll try to recover as quickly as I can," Ricciardo said.

"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.

"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."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

12 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

15 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago