Daniel Ricciardo’s return will have to wait
While the Australian's return was scheduled for the Singapore Grand Prix, it could be postponed. And this is due to fitness and scheduling issues.
Liam Lawson could enjoy a little longer stint at AlphaTauri. Since the Dutch Grand Prix, the New Zealander has been filling in for Daniel Ricciardo. The latter broke a finger following an accident during practice sessions at the Zandvoort weekend.
Following this incident and his surgery, it is Liam Lawson who occupies the seat of the Australian driver. He is therefore present in Monza, alongside Yuki Tsunoda. And this duo could be extended longer than expected. The return of Daniel Ricciardo could have taken place in Singapore. However, that doesn’t seem ideal.
A return to Qatar?
Helmut Marko, the advisor of Red Bull, has stated that the recovery of his driver will last for six weeks. Therefore, returning to Singapore seems compromised. Suzuka, one week later, is also doubtful.
« In the best case scenario, the first race he would come back to would be Singapore, but it’s physically one of the most demanding circuits, reveals the Austrian. « Therefore, it’s unlikely that he will be back [for Singapore], and the same goes for Suzuka. »
According to Helmut Marko’s words, the Honey Badger could then make his comeback, in early October, at Losail for the Qatar Grand Prix. He would be in the car for the last six events of the year.
A test to replace Ricciardo and bring back Lawson?
This interim period for Liam Lawson, who after racing in F2 continued to wait for a place in F1 in Japan, obviously allows Red Bull to evaluate the rookie’s skills, after having tested Nyck De Vries and Daniel Ricciardo in the AlphaTauri. By comparing Lawson’s performance with that of his predecessors, the New Zealander could convince Helmut Marko to stay and finish the season with them. Ricciardo would then be placed back in the reserve driver role.
