Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has given an update on Daniel Ricciardo's recovery from a broken hand, stating that the Australian is unlikely to make a comeback at the Singapore Grand Prix. Horner also expressed doubts about Ricciardo's fitness for the following round in Japan.
Ricciardo sustained the injury during a practice crash at the Dutch Grand Prix and underwent surgery to repair a broken metacarpal. Horner revealed that a metal plate and screws were placed to secure the bone. This forced Ricciardo to miss the Zandvoort and Monza races, with Red Bull junior Liam Lawson stepping in as his replacement. Lawson, who has been competing in the Super Formula series in Japan this year, performed admirably in his first two outings for the team.
When asked about Ricciardo's recovery timeline, Horner admitted that a return at the Singapore Grand Prix was highly unlikely. He said, "I don't think there's any chance he'll be ready for then." The team boss also expressed cautious optimism about Ricciardo's availability for the Japanese Grand Prix. He noted that the Australian's recovery was progressing well and that he had regained mobility in his hand. However, Horner emphasized the importance of ensuring Ricciardo's full fitness before rushing his return to the car.
Horner's comments echoed those made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who previously cast doubts on Ricciardo's availability for both Singapore and Japan. Marko highlighted the potential risks of pushing for an early comeback, citing cases in motorsport where rushed returns resulted in further damage.
In the meantime, AlphaTauri has confirmed that Lawson will continue to fill in for Ricciardo until he is fit enough to return. The 21-year-old New Zealander has impressed in his two races, with a particularly strong outing in wet and challenging conditions at Zandvoort. Lawson currently sits in second place in the Super Formula championship standings ahead of the season finale.
Horner praised Lawson's performance thus far, acknowledging that he had done a solid job. However, he admitted that he hadn't closely followed Lawson's race at Monza and would need to review the analysis before providing a comprehensive assessment. Horner also highlighted Lawson's familiarity with the Suzuka circuit, given his experience in the Super Formula series, suggesting that the young driver would be eager to compete in Japan.
With Ricciardo's return date uncertain, Red Bull will continue to monitor his recovery on a day-by-day basis. The priority remains ensuring that he is fully fit and ready to compete before putting him back in the car. In the meantime, Lawson will have further opportunities to showcase his talent and gain valuable experience at the highest level of motorsport.
