AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo is set to make his F1 comeback at the United States Grand Prix; watch practice, qualifying and the race at the Circuit of the Americas from October 20-22, live on Sky Sports F1
Last Updated: 18/10/23 4:14pm
Daniel Ricciardo will return from a hand injury for this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.after a “frustrating” few weeks on the sidelines.
The 34-year-old Australian has missed the past five races after he broke his left hand in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25.
However, Ricciardo, who took part in a Red Bull demonstration run in Nashville last weekend, will be back in his AlphaTauri cockpit for practice at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas on Friday.
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New Zealander Liam Lawson, who has impressed as Ricciardo’s stand-in, will make way.
Speaking about the injury, Ricciardo admitted it had been “frustrating”, but that his fitness is fine and he is “excited” to drive an updated AlphaTauri car.
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Daniel Ricciardo was back in a Red Bull car entertaining crowds in Nashville as part of a demo show following his recovery from a hand injury
Daniel Ricciardo was back in a Red Bull car entertaining crowds in Nashville as part of a demo show following his recovery from a hand injury
“It’s good to be back!”, said the eight-time Grand Prix winner.
“My hand is much better, and the simulator was a useful way of assessing it.
“I tried it out in the week before Qatar, but I didn’t feel it was at full potential, so I spent the rest of that week in the UK, spending more time in the sim, and got to a point where I felt ready to go.
“My overall fitness is fine as I kept training as much as I could, although I obviously couldn’t do much with my left hand or arm for a while.
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Fellow Australians Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo both crashed out early on in second practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix
Fellow Australians Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo both crashed out early on in second practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix
“It was definitely frustrating watching the past few races, especially as I’d gotten myself to a place where I was so ready to go again and race, and then I did two events and had to hit “pause” again, but actually, the time without racing went quite quickly.
“The current car has moved on a bit since I last drove it, but the sim was useful to get an idea of what the changes and updates have delivered.
“I felt a little bit of their effect, but it’s one of those things I think, once I get on track, I’ll feel them to their full effect.
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Daniel Ricciardo was taken to hospital after his crash at Turn Three early on in second practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo was taken to hospital after his crash at Turn Three early on in second practice ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix
“I was there in Singapore when they tried it the first time, and it was interesting to hear the feedback and comments, which were mostly positive.
“So, I’m excited to see what it’s like first-hand.”
Ricciardo was due to take part in only his third comeback race when he crashed in Zandvoort.
He was immediately taken to the medical centre before he was transported to a nearby hospital with his left arm in a sling.
A subsequent X-ray confirmed Ricciardo had sustained a break to the metacarpal on his left hand.
Ricciardo was ruled out of the race in Holland and the following rounds in Italy, Singapore, Japan and Qatar.
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AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo admits his aim is to stay ‘within the Red Bull family’ and says his dream is to return to the ‘big team’
AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo admits his aim is to stay ‘within the Red Bull family’ and says his dream is to return to the ‘big team’
Ricciardo was handed a second chance by Red Bull’s junior team AlphaTauri following his dismissal by McLaren at the end of last season.
Despite his injury, AlphaTauri announced last month that they have retained the eight-time Grand Prix winner winner for 2024 alongside Japanese driver Yuk Tsunoda.
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