Horner admits Lawson thrown in 'at the deep end' at Zandvoort

Christian Horner admits that Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson will be thrown in "at the deep end" when he deputizes for Daniel Ricciardo this weekend at Zandvoort.

Ricciardo's unfortunate crash in FP2, while relatively minor, left the Aussie with a broken hand that has sidelined the AlphaTauri charger for an unknown length of time.

Lawson has been Red Bull's de facto reserve since the start of the season, embedding with the team on race weekends while also racing in the Super Formula series in Japan.

The talented Kiwi is well acquainted with all the processes required to drive an F1 car, but the 21-year-old's task at Zandvoort on his debut as a Grand Prix driver will not be an easy one.

Read also: Ricciardo hoping for speedy recovery but 'in the right way'

"That's why he's here," Horner told Sky F1 on Friday at Zandvoort. "He's the reserve driver for both teams, for exactly a scenario like this.

"So it's in at the deep end, one practice session, in a car I don't think he's driven before, and then qualifying - at one of the toughest tracks.

"That's F1, you get your chances, one person's misfortune is another's fortune. But I'm sure he'll be fine."

©AlphaTauri

Ricciardo's injury involves a fractured metacarpal in his left hand, a hardship impossible to overcome for the Aussie behind the wheel of an F1 car. .

"Oh no, he's broken a bone in his hand," commented Horner. "A great shame for him, because the session was going well for him, and just unlucky. Oscar, by the time he saw him, it was very late.

"And the whip back from the steering wheel is what's done the damage. A shame for him, but good to see that he's okay. And he's still in good spirits."

Red Bull has reportedly contacted renowned MotoGP surgeon, Doctor Xavier Mir, who looked after Lance Stroll earlier this year following the Canadian's cycling crash, to help fast-track Ricciardo's recovery.

"I think you've just got to take it one day at a time," Horner concluded. "He's got a good medical team that he'll be working with. These guys recover incredibly quickly.

"We saw Lance earlier in the year with I think what was a multiple break [rather] than what Daniel has. He's a tough Aussie. I'm sure he'll be eager to get back in the car as quickly as he can."

©AlphaTauri

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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.