Liam Lawson to drive for AlphaTauri at Dutch Grand Prix

AlphaTauri have confirmed that former Formula 2 driver Liam Lawson will drive for the team in this weekend’s Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The New Zealander replaces Daniel Ricciardo after the Australian driver suffered a broken metacarpal on his left hand following a crash in Free Practice 2.

It will be Lawson’s race debut in Formula 1 after driving in Free Practice for AlphaTauri in the 2022 Belgian and Mexico City Grands Prix and with Red Bull at the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In a statement, the team confirmed that Lawson would be in the car from Saturday’s Free Practice 3 onwards.

“After today’s incident during Free Practice 2 in Zandvoort, in which Daniel Ricciardo hit the barrier at Turn 3, he was brought to the hospital and further examinations were carried out,” the team statement said.

“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, so he will be replaced by the team’s reserve driver Liam Lawson for the remainder of this weekend. The team wishes him all the best for the quickest possible recovery.”

Lawson last competed in Formula 2 with Rodin Carlin in 2022, finishing the season third in the Championship with 10 podium finishes and four race victories.