Ricciardo returns from injury with Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo has returned to the cockpit of a Red Bull as he prepares his comeback from injury at the United States Grand Prix.

The Australian has been out of action since breaking a metacarpal in his left hand during practice for the Dutch Grand Prix but will make his return with AlphaTauri at the Circuit of the Americas.

Ricciardo, who has been linked with succeeding Sergio Perez alongside Max Verstappen should the Mexican continue his struggles, has turned out in an RB7 during a demonstration run in Nashville ahead of his first weekend back in the cockpit - completing duties he was initially slated to perform when he initially returned to the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

He had signed up as a third driver to carry out commercial and simulator activities for Red Bull, which includes show runs, only to be called up as a replacement for Nyck de Vries following the Dutchman's lacklustre 10-race stint with AlphaTauri.

Ricciardo's return to fitness has allowed Liam Lawson to return to Japan for preparations ahead of the final round of the Super Formula championship, which takes place on the same weekend as the Mexican Grand Prix.