Daniel Ricciardo Set to Return for United States Grand Prix in Austin
After a period of recovery following a practice crash, Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has announced his return for the United States Grand Prix on October 22 in Austin. Ricciardo expressed his excitement about getting back on the track during a press conference in Nashville. Here’s what you need to know about his comeback:
The Road to Recovery
Ricciardo has been sidelined since the Dutch Grand Prix after sustaining a broken metacarpal in a practice crash. He underwent surgery and has been undergoing a recovery process ever since. In his absence, Liam Lawson stepped in and performed admirably, earning two points in five races, including a ninth-place finish in Singapore, which was AlphaTauri’s best result of the season.
However, the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix won’t be Ricciardo’s first time back in an F1 car since his injury. Red Bull is hosting a showrun in Nashville, where Ricciardo is expected to drive the RB7, Red Bull’s 2011 car.
Recap: Ricciardo’s Return at the Hungarian Grand Prix
Ricciardo made a surprise return to Formula 1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, replacing former rookie Nyck de Vries just eight months after his last race for McLaren. Despite finishing outside of the points, Ricciardo’s return was considered a success. He out-qualified his teammate Yuki Tsunoda and advanced to Q2, demonstrating his familiarity with the AT04 and proving that he hadn’t lost his edge during his time away.
Ricciardo commented on his physical condition, stating, “Honestly, just coming into it physically, not doing a race distance in eight months, especially round here — it’s actually one of the tougher ones. That’s one of the biggest smiles I have right now. It felt pretty good out there.”
Challenges at the Belgium Grand Prix
The Belgium Grand Prix presented a more mixed result for Ricciardo. He struggled with track limits during qualifying, starting in P19. However, he showed promise during the sprint race, finishing in P10 and coming close to earning points. Unfortunately, on race day, Ricciardo faced traffic and struggled to maximize the performance of his tires, resulting in a more subdued performance.
Following the Belgium Grand Prix, the summer break allowed Ricciardo some time off before returning for the Dutch Grand Prix. However, his return was cut short during FP2 when he locked up his tires while avoiding another car and crashed into a barrier. Further examination revealed that he had broken his hand, leading to surgery and a subsequent recovery period.
AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer confirmed that Ricciardo had been in the simulator recently and expressed confidence in his progress. He stated, “He said that he could, you know, go almost until the end. But it was not 100 percent.” AlphaTauri decided not to rush Ricciardo’s recovery, ensuring that he would be fully prepared for the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Looking Ahead
Daniel Ricciardo’s return to Formula 1 is eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow drivers alike. His previous performances have shown that he still possesses the skill and determination to compete at the highest level. As the United States Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Ricciardo as he aims to make a strong comeback and contribute to AlphaTauri’s success on the track.
Conclusion
After a period of recovery, Daniel Ricciardo is set to return to Formula 1 at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. His comeback follows a successful return at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he showcased his skills and adaptability. Despite facing challenges at the Belgium Grand Prix and suffering a hand injury during the Dutch Grand Prix, Ricciardo has remained determined and focused on his recovery. As the anticipation builds for his return, fans and fellow drivers are excited to witness Ricciardo’s performance on the track once again.