Zandvoort is one of the trickiest tracks in Formula 1. The circuit is laced with history, tragedy, and anarchy. After closing down for F1, the track made its return in 2021. The Dutch circuit has always been an eye candy for Formula 1 legends- James Hunt, Niki Lauda, and Gilles Villeneuve, all have had at least one moment of glory attached to this circuit. However, it has been one of the toughest and the trickiest tracks to navigate. And at Zandvoort, when it rains, it pours, and put a young rookie in an F1 car here, it is surely a recipe for disaster. However, Liam Lawson despite his worry made an astonishing debut.

Daniel Ricciardo’s accident at the Dutch Grand Prix changed the fortunes of two rookies. First, Oscar Piastri, the 22-year-old rookie had beached at Hugenholtz bocht banked corner, losing control of his McLaren. In a similar fashion, Daniel Ricciardo, losing control of his AlphaTauri was headed towards the Australian, sitting in a blind spot. In order to prevent a massive crash, Ricciardo swerved saving the two Australians but breaking his metacarpal bone. However, his misfortune turned into a young New Zealander’s fortune.

Despite the mental pressure, Liam Lawson drove like a champ

Daniel Ricciardo‘s return to F1 was supposed to be the comeback of the comebacks. Settling in the AlphaTauri seat, the Australian faced a massive break at Zandvoort. Misjudging a turn, the Honey Badger ended in the Barriers. Although his radio message made everyone hopeful, his injury was skin deep. Ricciardo had to bid farewell to the paddock once again. He was replaced by the 21-year-old Liam Lawson. However, the race track he was set to debut was and remains a tricky one. Having never been in an F1 car before, Lawson was rightfully nervous.

In the F1: Beyond the Grid podcast, the Kiwi revealed he was highly anxious ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. He said, “It was really tricky. When I found that I was driving there was just an hour of massive anxiety and nerves, knowing what I was about to do.”

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With massive anxiety, sleep troubles are bound to follow. The young driver isn’t immune to the issue. He confessed, “Yeah, not much sleep. Really bad sleep as well. I worked out loads. Friday night was tough. Saturday night was a lot better. After qualifying, I slept a lot better. It was so much going on. It was a tricky one.”

However, Lawson had a phenomenal drive the next Sunday. Having never raced in wet conditions at Zandvoort, or in an F1 car, Lawson debuted a major P13 from P20, becoming the fast talk of the paddock. Weekend after weekend, he went in and extracted as much performance as he could.

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However, after 5 races, Daniel Ricciardo gracefully bid his reserve a farewell. The Honey Badger was back just in time for his favorite race of the season: The United States Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo brings it home despite a tough drive

The Australian made a comeback for the second time this year. Smiling and waving he debuted a Texas-themed beard which has been a running gag for the Australian and the COTA directors since 2014. The Honey Badger was in high spirits during the Austin race.

However, the race took a tumultuous turn for the Australian. Despite a full recovery, he had a difficult time using his right hand. To add to his woes during the Sunday race, a bad one-stop strategy and high tire degradation made Ricciardo want to consider the option of retiring.

Nevertheless, he brought the car home in P15. Not a bad drive for a man with a broken hand. Going into the Mexican Grand Prix, however, high hopes are at an all-time high for the former Red Bull driver.

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After his win in Monza in 2021, Daniel Ricciardo said, “And to anyone who thought that I left, I never left.” And Who doesn’t want to see the Honey Badger back in form and in a Red Bull seat?