New Zealand driver Liam Lawson at the 2023 Dutch Formula One Grand Prix Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The AlphaTauri Formula One team has confirmed that New Zealand driver Liam Lawson will stay with them until Daniel Ricciardo is fit again.
The team has officially announced that Lawson, who made his F1 debut yesterday in the Netherlands, will replace the Australian until he has recovered from his broken hand.
Ricciardo broke his metacarpal following a crash in the second free practice for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
Lawson will race at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
AlphaTauri says in an X-post: "We are delighted that Daniel's surgery went well and that he is now on the road to recovery.
"We hope to see him at the track again very soon, but until he is fully fit, we can confirm that Liam, who did a good job in difficult circumstances in Zandvoort, will continue to drive alongside Yuki, starting from our home race this weekend in Monza."
Lawson finished 13th at the Dutch Grand Prix, which was won by Red Bulls' Max Verstappen.
The 21 year old only had one day in the car before the race and managed just one qualifying session.
After the race AlphaTauri's Head of Vehicle Performance, Guillaume Dezoteux was impressed with the Kiwi driver, who last week was racing in the Super Formula Championship in Japan.
"He did a very good job today, learning about the car and adapting to the conditions, which were constantly evolving.
"He made no mistakes and was able to build up the pace on dry tyres, which he was driving on for the first time in our car.
Following Monza there is a two week break before the Singapore GP.
Ricciardo is reported to be targetting a return at Singapore.
-RNZ