Fans express concern for Daniel Ricciardo as fearless Aussie F1 star trains with UFC great Max Holloway ahead of race in Las Vegas

1 year ago 54

Daniel Ricciardo trained in the gym with UFC star Max Holloway
Unusual preparation for the F1 race in Las Vegas this weekend
Last race in Sin City was in 1982, excitement is at fever pitch

By Andrew Prentice For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 05:45 GMT, 17 November 2023 | Updated: 05:46 GMT, 17 November 2023

Concerned fans were petrified Daniel Ricciardo could have potentially re-injured his hand after he trained with former UFC champion Max Holloway this week.

A series of images were posted to Instagram on Thursday showing the two athletes hard at work during a gym session - and it didn't take long for comments to circulate online globally.

It also comes ahead of Las Vegas hosting a F1 race this Sunday (5pm, AEDT), with anticipation at fever pitch levels following a 41-year absence.

Ricciardo, will be on the grid for AlphaTauri, where he will look to improve on his current status of 17th in the standings.

Training closely with Holloway was typical of the brash Aussie, but given he suffered a hand injury in October, his legion of fans were concerned it would be a case of sporting deja vu.

Concerned fans were worried Daniel Ricciardo could have potentially re-injured his hand after he trained with former UFC identity Max Holloway this week

Max Holloway took on Aussie Alex Volkanovski in UFC 276 earlier this year - and was outclassed in the Octagon

After starting the F1 season as a reserve driver, Ricciardo is now 17th on the standings, representing AlphaTauri

'Be careful with your hand Danny,' one fan posted in response to the images.

Another said: 'Take it easy, we don’t want to see another fracture.'

Meanwhile, at the opening ceremony in Sin City this week, Kylie Minogue was the headline act, with the likes of Tiesto, John Legend, Keith Urban and Steve Aoki also performing.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton soaked up the atmosphere, looking the part in a stylish black overcoat, black boots and suave black-and-orange shades.

Las Vegas officials also revealed that the famous Sphere has been taken over by this weekend's Grand Prix and will be used to show driver introductions, live pole positions and fans around the track.

'Sphere's Exosphere doesn't just complement the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, it elevates it to new heights, turning every lap into a mesmerising experience for fans in attendance and watching on TV globally,' Las Vegas Grand Prix Chief Commercial Officer Emily Prazer said.

'Picture real-time pole positions, thrilling podium celebrations, and a dynamic showcase of all 20 drivers and their iconic cars displayed larger-than-life.

'We are excited to have Sphere at the heart of the race weekend.'

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