Daniel Ricciardo's hand injury at the Dutch Grand Prix unexpectedly paved the way for Liam Lawson to make his Formula 1 debut, setting off a chain of events that culminated in Lawson securing a full-time seat in 2024.
Why it matters
This incident not only highlighted the precarious nature of an F1 driver's career but also brought a talented young driver into the spotlight, demonstrating the Red Bull junior program's depth and its readiness to promote fresh talent when opportunities arise.
The big picture
Ricciardo returned to F1 with AlphaTauri midway through the 2023 season, replacing Nyck de Vries, who had struggled to perform. After two races in Hungary and Belgium, Ricciardo suffered a significant injury during a practice session at Zandvoort, creating an immediate need for a replacement.
The details
- Injury at Zandvoort: During FP2, Ricciardo crashed while avoiding Oscar Piastri's stricken McLaren, breaking a metacarpal bone in his left hand. This injury sidelined him for several races.
- Lawson's immediate call-up: Liam Lawson, who had been performing well in Japanese Super Formula and was a reserve driver for Red Bull, was thrust into the AlphaTauri seat with no prior F1 experience in a race weekend.
- Impressive debut: Despite qualifying last in a challenging, rain-affected Dutch GP, Lawson finished a commendable 13th. He continued to deputize for five races, notably scoring points with a P9 finish at the Singapore Grand Prix.
- 2024 seat decision: Initially, Ricciardo's experience saw him retain the AlphaTauri seat alongside Yuki Tsunoda for 2024, with Lawson returning to reserve duties.
- Lawson's permanent return: However, Ricciardo's subsequent lack of consistent form led to his final departure after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Lawson was then confirmed as his permanent replacement, making a strong return with a P9 finish at the Austin GP.
What's next
Liam Lawson is now firmly established as a full-time F1 driver for AlphaTauri (now known as RB), with the opportunity to prove his long-term potential in the sport. This turn of events underscores the cutthroat competition and rapid ascendancy possible within the F1 ecosystem.