Daniel Ricciardo sets out strict terms for comeback from hand injury

Henry Valantine 05 Sep 2023 1:30 PM

Daniel Ricciardo pictured in his AlphaTauri garage at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.

Daniel Ricciardo is reportedly set for a longer term on the F1 sidelines than originally hoped, as he recovers from a broken hand.

The Australian broke a metacarpal in his left hand on only his third race into his Formula 1 comeback at Zandvoort, in a crash in free practice – with Liam Lawson currently deputising in his place at AlphaTauri.

Ricciardo was swiftly flown out to Barcelona for surgery and has begun the recovery process, but while he had initially hoped to be back in the cockpit for the Singapore Grand Prix, he faces a longer time on the sidelines.

Daniel Ricciardo ‘waiting to be fully fit’ before F1 comeback

Additional reporting by Thomas Maher

While there would be understandable appetite from Ricciardo’s point of view to get back driving as quickly as possible, given his desire to secure a seat on the 2024 grid, respected F1 journalist Lawrence Barretto has indicated that he will not rush himself back onto the track.

The F1 TV presenterwrote on social media: “Sources say Daniel Ricciardo is cracking on with rehab but it might be some time before he returns. He’s remaining upbeat, though.

“Sensibly, he’s waiting to be fully fit before coming back. There’s no point rushing, especially as he had impressed in his first two races back.”

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Christian Horner on Daniel Ricciardo’s comeback efforts

Normal recovery times from the kind of injury Ricciardo suffered can be up to 12 weeks, but given the physical prowess of Formula 1 drivers, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner previously stating they are “not normal”, he initially indicated Ricciardo was looking for a far quicker recovery.

But addressing how his recovery is progressing over the weekend, Horner confirmed Lawson will continue to deputise until further notice, and offered an update on Ricciardo’s status – hinting that a return at the Japanese Grand Prix would still be an “optimistic” estimate.

“I think certainly Singapore, I don’t think there’s any chance he’ll be ready for that,” Horner told media including PlanetF1.com at Monza.

“And I think it will be optimistic for Japan, but I think his recovery is going well.

“He’s got mobility of the hand, he’s into rehabilitation now, but we’ve seen with motorcyclists, rushing comebacks can sometimes do more damage.

“So we just want to make sure he’s fully fit before he gets back in the car. I should think he’s pretty keen to be in the car in Suzuka. We just take it on a day by day basis and see how the recovery and nature takes its course.”