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Setback for Ricciardo: 'Looks bad for next two GPs'

Lawson also in action in next two GPs? 'Ricciardo's fracture complicated'

28 August 2023 at 10:16
Last update 28 August 2023 at 10:59
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  • Sam Godber

Daniel Ricciardo has now undergone successful surgery on his hand, but there is a significant chance that the Australian will be out for the next few weeks. This is because there is a complicated fracture, it has become clear after the operation.

Christian Horner said on Sunday that recovery for Formula 1 drivers is often shorter than for 'normal' people. Despite those words, the chances of Ricciardo getting behind the wheel of the AT04 as early as next weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza seem extremely slim.

Ricciardo needs to recover

Helmut Marko told Sky's German branch after the Dutch Grand Prix won by Max Verstappen: "Unfortunately, the fracture is complicated. It is not a pretty fracture. We will get confirmation from the doctor tonight, but it looks bad for the next two races." The next two races - as mentioned - are Italy (September 3) and then Singapore (September 17). The Japanese Grand Prix will take place seven days after Singapore on September 24.

Peter Beyer, CEO of AlphaTauri, also spoke briefly about his driver at the aforementioned. "I have just spoken to his manager. The operation went well, even though the fracture was more complicated than expected. He will stay in Barcelona for a few days for observation. We wish him all the best." Ricciardo had only driven two races for AlphaTauri before suffering his fracture. He only drove the Hungarian and Belgian GPs (as a replacement for Nyck de Vries).