Ricciardo is not expected to return before Singapore

Mathieu Warnier, Media365, Posted on Sat Aug 26 2023 11:15pm.

On the sidelines of the Dutch Grand Prix, Christian Horner said it was unlikely Daniel Ricciardo would be ready in time for Monza next weekend. The Australian’s comeback could take place during the Singapore Grand Prix.

Liam Lawson’s tenure should last a little longer. This Friday, during the second free practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo fractured a metatarsal in his left hand after running off the track. An injury did not allow him to drive and his seat was given up by Australian Liam Lawson, a regular in the Japanese Super Formula Championship but ambitious to settle in Formula 1 next season. The New Zealander is expected to continue his replacement at Monza next weekend. Interview with the British channel Sky Sports“The split is fairly clear,” Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner confirmed. Daniel Ricciardo was quick to direct Barcelona to consult doctor Xavier Mir, who used to take charge of MotoGP championship riders. Christian Horner added: “These guys, as we see it in the MotoGP world championships, come back very quickly. So today (Saturday) he left for Barcelona, ​​and tomorrow (Sunday) they may operate on him to restore order at the level of this fracture.”

Horner: “Nature will take its course”

Christian Horner has not evaded the question of when Daniel Ricciardo will return. “It all depends on the recovery and how long it will take,” the Red Bull Racing team boss stressed. The British leader added: “It is possible that a normal person takes between ten to twelve weeks, but we know that these people are not normal.” So everything will depend on the recovery process, three weeks, one month, six weeks, nobody really knows. Most importantly, Christian Horner mentioned the three-week deadline for the Singapore Grand Prix. “I’m sure he may be aiming for Singapore deep down, but then again, it’s probably one of the toughest circuits on the calendar,” he added, concluding that “nature will take its course. So we can expect to see Liam Lawson driving the single-seater for the team.” AlphaTauri at the Italian Grand Prix, which takes place next weekend at Monza and will be the final round of the season to be held in Europe.