Daniel Ricciardo will not take part in the Dutch Grand Prix after suffering a hand injury in a crash during the second free practice session at Zandvoort on Friday.
The Australian driver lost control of his Alpha Tauri at Turn 11 and hit the barriers, damaging his car and hurting his right hand. He was taken to the medical centre for checks and later confirmed to be out of the race weekend.
“Unfortunately, Daniel has sustained a fracture in his right hand and will not be able to race on Sunday,” said Alpha Tauri team principal Franz Tost. “It’s a shame because he was looking competitive and we had high hopes for this weekend.”
Ricciardo’s crash also ended the session for his compatriot Oscar Piastri, who was making his Formula 1 debut with Ferrari. The F2 championship leader had completed 14 laps and was 17th fastest when the red flags came out.
“It was a bit of a frustrating end to my first F1 session, but I’m still very grateful for the opportunity,” said Piastri. “It was an amazing feeling to drive a Ferrari around this track, which is very challenging and fun. I hope Daniel is OK and I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Piastri will return to the cockpit for the third free practice session on Saturday, while Alpha Tauri will have to find a replacement for Ricciardo. The team has reserve driver Pierre Gasly available, but he is also racing in F2 this weekend.
