November 28, 2023

UNITED KINGDOM: Crimson Bull Racing’s Crew Principal, Christian Horner, has make clear the probability of System 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo making a comeback on the Qatar Grand Prix following his latest harm hiatus.

Ricciardo’s absence from the observe was triggered by a damaged metatarsal sustained throughout a follow session at Zandvoort, the place he averted a collision with Oscar Piastri’s McLaren. 

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Regardless of this setback, Ricciardo’s spirits stay excessive as he appears to be like ahead to his assured return for the 2024 season with Crimson Bull’s sister workforce, AlphaTauri.

In an interview after the Japanese Grand Prix, Horner shared his insights on the potential return, stating, “I’d say most likely much less doubtless than doubtless in the mean time.” He emphasised the significance of not dashing Ricciardo’s recuperation, given his safe place for the upcoming season.

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Horner additional elaborated, “His recuperation goes properly. However, you already know, he’s mounted within the seat for subsequent yr; does he have to rush a hasty return to Qatar? Whereas perhaps one other couple of weeks for Austin, which is a hell of a bumpy circuit anyway, it is likely to be higher to make use of that point as preparation for Austin.”

The choice relating to Ricciardo’s return will likely be influenced by his upcoming simulator session, following which the workforce will make an knowledgeable selection. In the meantime, younger expertise Liam Lawson, who admirably stuffed in for Ricciardo, will transition right into a reserve and check driver function for the upcoming season. 

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Whereas there was hypothesis relating to Lawson’s future with both AlphaTauri or Crimson Bull, Horner clarified, “There’s no assure of something in life.” Horner recommended Lawson’s distinctive efficiency throughout Ricciardo’s absence, expressing confidence in his potential for the 2025 season. 

He famous, “He’s completed precisely what we might have requested for, when it comes to grabbing the chance and in Daniel’s absence to point out his functionality, and that’s turned some heads.” Lawson’s journey on the planet of System 1 continues to be one to look at with eager curiosity.

Additionally Learn: Former AlphaTauri Driver Nyck de Vries Returns to System E with Mahindra