The struggles continue for Daniel Ricciardo. Dominated by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda at Racing Bulls since the start of the Formula 1 season, the Australian was the victim of a huge crash at the start of the Japanese Grand Prix this Sunday.
11th on the starting grid, the former Red Bull protégé missed his start and found himself a little further back in the peloton. If the first corner went very well, the first “S” of the Suzuka track were fatal. Ricciardo was hit in the right rear tire of his car driven by Alexander Albon who was trying to go outside but the door had just closed in front of him.
Red flag
As a result, the two drivers shot straight onto the grass, then into the gravel, before violently hitting the wall opposite. Given the power of the impact and the damage to both cars, the red flag was immediately brought out by the stewards. The two drivers finally emerged unhurt and quickly from their car. A sigh of relief 10 years after the death of Jules Bianchi on this same route.
RED FLAG 🚩
Incident between Albon and Ricciardo at the start 💥
Both drivers are fine! #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Uxj1eeQs45
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) April 7, 2024
Ahead, no movement to report. Max Verstappen retained his pole position ahead of teammate Sergio Perez, the McLaren of Lando Norris and the Scuderia of Carlos Sainz. Note the good start of the two Alpines, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly found themselves 13th and 14th, gaining two and three places respectively.