Alpha Tauri might be looking at another driver dilemma just 2 races after their last one. Daniel Ricciardo sensationally replaced the struggling Nyck de Vries at the Hungarian GP. Now, at the Dutch GP, he finds himself injured and potentially unable to drive. His injury occurred in an incident involving McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri.
What happened?
Everything was going fine in the second free practice session at the Dutch GP. Daniel Ricciardo was enjoying his return to Formula 1 with Alpha Tauri. Oscar Piastri was going about his business professionally as he had done all season.
Suddenly, coming out of turn 3, the McLaren rookie made a mistake at turn 3 and spun. He was left stranded on the track. Unfortunately for Daniel Ricciardo, Piastri spun right in front of him. Therefore, he did not have a lot of time to react. He locked up while trying to avoid the McLaren, and went into the barriers nose-first.
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Daniel Ricciardo made a critical error. While crashing into the barriers, he did not take his hands off the steering wheel.
Immediately after the crash, he could be heard on the team radio saying, “F**k, my hand”. The onboard cameras captured him trying to get out of his car. He was making sure to not exert much pressure on his left hand. Officials have confirmed he went to the hospital for further checkups. Moreover, photos have emerged of him wearing a cast.
In a tweet now gone viral, there is a message from the Zandvoort officials to Daniel Ricciardo. The message begins with a wish that his wrist is okay. The state their wish to see him driving again this week. They also left a waffle for him. The Turn 3 Marshalls, like the rest of us, want to see the smiling Aussie back in the car.
What next for Alpha Tauri?
A sling may just be a precaution for Daniel Ricciardo. However, should the Aussie be out of commission for the Dutch GP, Alpha Tauri have 2 options.
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Red Bull junior Liam Lawson is currently in the paddock. He has enough super license points on his driver’s license. Therefore, he can slot right in for Daniel Ricciardo.
The other option would be a sensational return for the unceremoniously ousted Nyck de Vries. The paddock will be abuzz if this happens, and the media will write long stories about it.
