Horner on Ricciardo's comeback: 'Better to wait until that race'

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Horner update on Ricciardo's recovery
28 September 2023 at 06:56
Last update 28 September 2023 at 07:45
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  • GPblog.com

While Daniel Ricciardo seemed to have his sights set on a return at the Qatar Grand Prix, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner now indicates that a comeback there is" less likely than likely". Although he says recovery is going well, the Qatar race is still too early. Horner explains this to Sky Sports.

Horner: 'Return to Qatar very unlikely'

AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand during free practice at Zandvoort. After being sidelined for three race weekends, the Australian set his own goal in advance to return at the Qatar Grand Prix. According to Horner, it seems unlikely that Ricciardo will indeed return that weekend, hinting at a fourth race weekend for Liam Lawson.

"I would say probably less likely than likely at the moment," the Red Bull team boss began. "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?" wonders Horner aloud. According to him, Ricciardo will take a seat in the simulator next week and complete a number of sessions, based on which the team will make decisions.

'Might be better to wait until Austin'

However, Horner thinks it would be wise if Ricciardo adjusts his goals and focuses on a comeback at the Grand Prix in Austin. "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," said the Briton.