F1: Daniel Ricciardo out of Dutch Grand Prix after breaking hand in practice

Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 future looks on shaky ground again as he was forced out of the Dutch Grand Prix after breaking his hand.

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 25: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Scuderia AlphaTauri wears a cast on his hand after crashing during practice which has ruled him out of competing in this weekends race ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 25, 2023 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula One return has been brought to a halt after he was forced out of the Dutch Grand Prix following a crash.

The Australian broke his hand forcing him out of the rest of the weekend, his team Alpha Tauri reported, with reserve driver Liam Lawson stepping in for qualifying on Saturday and Sunday’s race at Zandvoort.

Ricciardo hurtled into a barrier at turn three of the unforgiving seaside circuit, his hands on the wheel and absorbing the impact.

“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,” Alpha Tauri announced.

Daniel Ricciardo has been ruled out of the Dutch Grand Prix. Picture: Getty Images

Ricciardo’s misfortune came on only his third race back from a sabbatical after being released by McLaren.

Ironically, his replacement at the British team, rookie Oscar Piastri, was inadvertently involved in the incident.

Ricciardo lost control on the banked bend, his car’s nose ending up in the barrier with the rear sticking out onto the track.

Seconds later Ricciardo came flying around the corner, ending up beside his fellow Australian.

“Sorry guys, I didn’t see the McLaren,” Ricciardo said over the team radio. Piastri replied firmly in the negative when he was asked if his car could move. Ricciardo was eventually taken to a local hospital as the crane got to work to remove the two out-of-commission cars.

Ricciardo was eventually taken to a local hospital as the crane got to work to remove the two out-of-commission cars.

In a thoughtful touch the marshalls who assisted Ricciardo sent him a warm message and a waffle cookie, Alpha Tauri said.

Ricciardo said he had no time to take his hands off the steering wheel when he crashed.

He hoped he would be able to recover quickly, but said he wanted to make sure he could come back “strong and competitive”.

“I was very excited to be back after the break,” Ricciardo said.

Daniel Ricciardo’s misfortune came on only his third race back from a sabbatical. Picture: Getty Images

“The day was going pretty well. We made some changes for FP2 and the few laps I did on the hard tyre before the crash felt good; we were building up and improving.

“At that time, we were pretty competitive, and I was feeling positive.

“I remember coming into turn three. I had already gotten into the corner and then saw Piastri, so it was either hit him or the wall. 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.

“It’s really unfortunate and frustrating, but I’ll try to recover as quickly as I can.

“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.”

Daniel Ricciardo walks from his car after crashing during practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. Picture: Getty Images

Piastri said he lost the rear after taking the turn three corner too quickly.

“A shame to end the day like that, I just went into turn three a bit too quick and lost the rear,” Piastri said.

“It’s a shame to have picked up the damage and give the team a long night but their hard work is appreciated.

“Otherwise, I think the pace looked quite good today. I was feeling pretty god with the car, so we’ll try to bounce back tomorrow and have a positive day.”