Ferdinand Habsburg has withdrawn from this weekend’s NEC Formula Renault 2.0-litre event at the Nürburgring following advice from Dr. Thierry Murrisch.
The 18-year old was involved in an incident at Silverstone, a fortnight ago, when his Fortec Motorsport Formula Renault car was sent flying meters into the air. Despite the footage going global as viewers looked on aghast, Ferdinand walked away from the accident and following x-rays was later released by the circuit’s medical centre.
Proving the incident had not affected his confidence, the youngster from Vienna returned to the track just six days later setting the fastest time in free practice one, in the Eurocup race, at the Nürburgring.
However, as the weekend progressed Habsburg struggled with pain and discomfort in his back and knee. On Monday, his management team decided to send him for further checks.
After further scans the medical team advised that he rests for a few weeks to allow his back and knee to fully recover, meaning he will miss this weekend’s races.
“Obviously, as a racing driver, we just want to be out there as much as we can,” Habsburg explained. “So, being told I shouldn’t race this weekend was difficult to hear. However, from speaking to the specialists it seems I’m very lucky that my injuries weren’t much worse. I think the strength of the car and my good physical fitness helped.
“It’s a shame because when I felt good I was quick at the Nürburgring. I know I would have had a good event this weekend. The goal is to get myself rested and back to peak physical fitness so I can continue my season at Hockenheim for the final round.”
