AlphaTauri 'definitely' expects Daniel Ricciardo back for Austin

Field Level Media|published: Fri 6th October, 14:07 2023

Oct 22, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is interviewed after the qualifying session for the U.S. Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. credits: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo is expected to be back behind the wheel at the U.S. Grand Prix on Oct. 22 at Austin, Texas.

The 34-year-old Australian has been out since breaking a bone in his hand in August when he crashed during a practice run for the Dutch Grand Prix.

"That's definitely the plan," AlphaTauri chief executive Peter Bayer told reporters Friday at the Qatar Grand Prix when asked about Ricciardo's return in Texas.

"He was in the simulator on Monday and he said that he could go almost until the end, but it was not 100 percent and he didn't want to rush things."

Liam Lawson, 21, of New Zealand has filled in for Ricciardo in the last four F1 races. His best finish was ninth at the Singapore GP on Sept 17.

"We have this amazing luxury of having a top third driver who can jump into the seat and so we together decided to give (Ricciardo) a bit more time and he should be in the car in Austin," Bayer said.

—Field Level Media