Daniel Ricciardo is unlikely to participate in next weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix as he continues recovering from his hand injury, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has confirmed.
Ricciardo suffered seven bone fractures at last month’s Dutch Grand Prix, undergoing surgery with four screws and a plate inserted into his left hand.
The Australian hurtled into a barrier at turn three of the unforgiving seaside circuit, with his left hand on the wheel absorbing the impact.
It was initially hoped Ricciardo would recover before the Qatar Grand Prix in October, but Horner revealed the AlphaTauri driver might need more time in the casualty ward.
“I would say probably less likely than likely at the moment,” Horner told Sky Sports.
“His recuperation is going well but he‘s fixed in the seat for next year, does he need to rush a hasty return for Qatar where maybe another couple of weeks for Austin, which is a hell of a bumpy circuit anyway, it might be better to use that time in preparation for Austin.
“I know he‘s got his sights fixed on Qatar, he’ll drive the simulator next week and then we’ll make some decisions based on that.”
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New Zealand’s Liam Lawson will continue to fill Ricciardo’s place, having finished ahead of AlphaTauri teammate Yuki Tsunoda for the past three races.
Lawson placed ninth in this month’s Singapore Grand Prix to secure his first points in Formula 1.
Last week, Ricciardo penned a contract extension at AlphaTauri alongside Tsunoda for 2024. The new deal guaranteed Ricciardo a 14th season in the sport, opening the door for the 34-year-old to reclaim his seat at Red Bull Racing in 2025 after Sergio Perez’s contract expires next year
“Following the progress we have already made and the plans for the future, it’s an exciting time for the team,” Ricciardo said in a statement released by AlphaTauri.
“We are building and it is a great feeling.
“There is a lot of work to do but we are heading in the right direction and there is a lot to look forward to.”
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