Nico Rosberg claims the Dutch GP accident might cost Daniel Ricciardo the 2024 Red Bull seat 

Ricciardo is focused on a thorough recovery before making a comeback.

Nico Rosberg claims the Dutch GP accident might cost Daniel Ricciardo the 2024 Red Bull seat 

Nico Rosberg and Daniel Ricciardo (Via IMAGO)

Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg offered insights into the possible impact of Daniel Ricciardo’s hand injury on chances of him securing a Red Bull seat for the 2024 season. This injury occurred during a crash in the second practice session at the Dutch Grand Prix, ultimately leading Liam Lawson to be selected as the replacement for Ricciardo in Alpha Tauri. 

Previously, Ricciardo had a successful career with Red Bull Racing from 2014 to 2018, securing seven victories during that period. Before joining Red Bull, he spent two seasons with Toro Rosso, which has since been rebranded as AlphaTauri, in 2012 and 2013. Following his departure from McLaren and taking the role as a reserve driver for Red Bull, Ricciardo took a year-long hiatus from Formula One.

YouTube video

Earlier this season, the AlphaTauri team announced that Daniel Ricciardo would join their team for the remainder of 2023. During the Practice session at the Dutch GP, Riccardo had an accident that led him out of the Dutch GP after breaking his wrist in the crash. It’s anticipated that Ricciardo will be sidelined for the upcoming two rounds in Singapore and Japan, hoping to make a comeback at the start of October for the Qatar Grand Prix.

FS Video

Nico Rosberg, in the recent episode of the Sky F1 podcast, acknowledges that Ricciardo’s injury might lead him to spend another year with AlphaTauri rather than having a seat at Red Bull, replacing Sergio Perez in 2024. He said (H&T: Crash.net), “Daniel has such a value to Red Bull, he is liked by Red Bull…….This break might be the difference between him replacing Perez next year and staying at AlphaTauri. The hand brake will put him one more year in AlphaTauri.”

Discover: Toto Wolff hopes FIA’s anti-flexi wing directive makes Red Bull slower

Daniel Ricciardo said he is focused on recovering in the right way

Alpha Tauri AT04
Alpha Tauri AT03 (Credits: SB Nation)

After his return to the paddock, Daniel Ricciardo spoke with the media. He detailed how, upon colliding with the wall, he could not withdraw his hands from the steering wheel in time, resulting in the wheel striking his hand. Despite the unfortunate and frustrating circumstances, he emphasized his commitment to swiftly recovering.

“I remember coming into Turn 3…….then saw Piastri, so it was either hit him or the wall,” he said. “When I hit the wall, I didn’t have enough time to take my hands off the steering wheel, so the wheel came and hit my hand…..but I’ll try to recover as quickly as I can.”

Following the confirmation that Daniel Ricciardo won’t be able to participate in the Singapore and Suzuka Grands Prix, the Australian driver indicated that he won’t rush his return to the cockpit. His focus appears to be on a thorough recovery before making a comeback.

“Obviously, I’d love to get back soon, but I also want to ensure we do things the right way so I come back strong and competitive,. I wish the team well, and I’m sorry for the change in plans again.” he said,

In case you missed it: