F1 News: Red Bull Provides Bleak Daniel Ricciardo Recovery Update

Daniel Ricciardo could be missing from the next two races.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko has provided an update on Daniel Ricciardo's broken wrist following the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Australian driver ran into trouble during the second practice session on Friday. Oscar Piastri had crashed into the race wall and as Ricciardo came round the corner he was met with the McLaren so had to make a split-second decision to "either hit Piastri or the wall". He obviously chose the latter but this meant he didn't have time to remove his hands from the steering wheel. 

Ricciardo was immediately sent to the medical centre and then to hospital where X-Rays confirmed he had broken his metacarpal. Red Bull team chief Christian Horner had previously explained that Ricciardo would hope to recover in time for the Singapore Grand Prix, however, Marko has now told Sky Sports Germany that he thinks that is unlikely. He explained:

"Unfortunately, the fracture is complicated. It's not a straight fracture.

“In all likelihood, the AlphaTauri driver will also miss the next two races in Italy and Singapore.

“We will get confirmation from the doctor, but it looks bad for the next two races.”

AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer also explained that Ricciardo will stay in Barcelona where he was for the surgery for observation. Bayer commented:

”I spoke with his manager. The surgery went well, even if the fracture was more complicated than expected.

“He will stay in Barcelona for a few days for observation. We wish him all the best."

Red Bull reserve driver Liam Lawson is stepping in for Ricciardo whilst he recovers. The New Zealander managed to finish in thirteenth position during his debut yesterday.