Horner provides update on Ricciardo’s return timeline

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has provided an update on Daniel Ricciardo's potential return to Formula 1 competition following his injury.

Ricciardo crashed during practice at the Zandvoort circuit last month and was ruled out of the Dutch Grand Prix, with Liam Lawson standing in, with the eight-time Grand Prix winner was diagnosed with a metacarpal fracture.

Ricciardo was also forced to miss the most recent round in Italy as he continues his recovery following an operation.

Lawson will continue to replace Ricciardo until the Australian driver is fit enough to return to the cockpit.

However, speaking to media including RacingNews365., Horner admitted that Ricciardo's absence is likely to include the next two races in Singapore and Japan.

"Singapore, I don't think there's any chance we'll be ready for then," Horner said.

"I think it will be optimistic for Japan, but I think his recovery is going well, he's got obviously mobility of the hand he's into rehabilitation now.

"But we've seen you know, with motorcyclists, rushing comeback can sometimes do more damage.

"So I think that we just want to make sure he's fully fit before he gets back in the car."

Should Horner's timeline be the most realistic scenario, Ricciardo will not be expected to return to the cockpit until the Qatar Grand Prix next month.