Ricciardo opens up about his convalescence
Injured in the hand at Zandvoort, Daniel Ricciardo missed five Grand Prix, leaving New Zealander Liam Lawson to brilliantly take over in the interim. The Australian is making his return this weekend in Austin and recounts his absence.
« It was much worse than it seemed! » These words sum up the misadventure of Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian had come to reinforce AlphaTauri, to replace a Nyck de Vries who was not performing at all.
His return to Hungary was convincing, but Zandvoort did not have time to confirm the form of the former Renault and McLaren driver. His crash at the 3rd turn resulted in a hand fracture.
As injured as he was, Daniel Ricciardo did not slack off: he continued to work within the Red Bull simulator and put on a great show in the streets of Nashville, behind the wheel of a Red Bull. Today, from his feelings, « the hand is fine. » But this convalescence was not obvious at all.
A more serious injury than expected
The Australian underwent an operation in Spain on the metacarpal of his left hand. And the pain that accompanied this injury had the effect of delaying his return, which could have taken place in Singapore.
« My recovery was harder than I initially thought » he expresses. « I say this because I’m a bit of a wimp, so let’s just say it wasn’t that hard. »
His convalescence lasted longer than expected, because the operation he underwent revealed a much deeper fracture. « When the doctors did the checks, they looked at the fracture: it was much worse than it looked! The fracture was deeper and it made the pain a bit stronger for me. »
No question of finding excuses for him though: Honey Badger will participate in his third Grand Prix this year. This makes him a kind of rookie, but AlphaTauri’s progress could benefit him for his comeback.
Hats off to Lawson
Daniel Ricciardo was also able to rely on an exemplary stand-in in the form of Liam Lawson. The New Zealander was not retained for 2024, but he performed an excellent interim between Zandvoort and Losail.
« Liam did a great job » admits the Australian. « He wasn’t kept on for next year, but he’s only 21: he’s just at the very start of his career. If he keeps going like this, he won’t lack opportunities. And a career, it can last a long time! »
These sentences may echo rumors about a possible departure of Sergio Pérez from Red Bull by 2025. Ricciardo is apparently preparing for this and Liam Lawson would seem to be the logical candidate for AlphaTauri. To be continued…
