Liam Lawson Steps in for Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri for Dutch Grand Prix After Crash

It has been officially announced that Liam Lawson, the reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, is set to step into the cockpit of Daniel Ricciardo’s AlphaTauri for the remainder of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. This decision comes in the wake of a unfortunate incident that left the Australian driver with a broken wrist, following his crash during the second practice session (FP2).

At present, the exact duration of Ricciardo’s absence from the track remains uncertain. However, it appears highly likely that Lawson will continue to represent AlphaTauri in the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, given the circumstances. Prior to the confirmation of this development, there had been much speculation regarding potential replacements, with recently let-go Nyck de Vries emerging as another option.

During the FP2 of the Dutch Grand Prix, both Daniel Ricciardo and Oscar Piastri found themselves facing early exits due to collisions with the track barriers. Piastri’s incident occurred at Turn 3, paving the way for Ricciardo’s subsequent difficulty in avoiding the already compromised McLaren. The situation escalated as Ricciardo, having conveyed discomfort in his hand over the team radio, was promptly directed to the medical center. Onboard footage later revealed that he was unable to extricate his right hand just before the crash transpired.

In the ongoing 2023 season, Ricciardo’s participation has been limited to only two races. The circumstances leading to his participation were unique, as he had taken over the seat from de Vries after the latter’s unexpected departure from the team after just ten races into the season. The recent turn of events undoubtedly comes as disappointing news for the accomplished eight-time Grand Prix champion.

However, amidst the gloomy situation, there exists a silver lining. This unexpected opportunity opens up a significant door for Liam Lawson. Notably, Lawson had narrowly missed securing de Vries’ vacated spot. The talented driver from New Zealand has been actively showcasing his prowess in the competitive Super Formula Championship. Now, with the chance to demonstrate his skills in Ricciardo’s absence, Lawson has the potential to catapult himself into a coveted full-time Formula One seat, provided he delivers standout performances.