Monza, two years later
Two years ago Daniel Ricciardo he achieved success in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. That remains for now the last peak reached in his career by the Australian driver and the only real moment of joy in his difficult two-year spell at the wheel of the McLaren. This year, after the start of the season spent in the unprecedented – for him – role of third Red Bull driver, he could have been that of rebirth. However, the return to the wheel as owner in the AlphaTauri team lasted just two races for the veteran from Perth. In fact, in the free practice of the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, the Aussie was injured, breaking a metacarpal bone in his left hand.
Back to the bench
Inevitably Ricciardo was unable to take to the track not only in Holland but also in last Sunday’s Italian race. In both appointments, Max Verstappen’s former teammate was replaced by Liam Lawson, already quite comfortable on the ‘derelict’ AT04. Now, the indication has come directly from the top management of the Red Bull team that probably too in the next two races, in Singapore and Suzuka#3 will have to settle for being a spectator.
Horner’s caution
In fact, after the Monza race, the Red Bull team principal, Christian Hornerhe admitted that already imagining Ricciardo’s return for the Japanese GP would be rather an exercise “optimistic”. “Certainly for Singapore I don’t think there is any chance that he is ready – suggested the number one of the Milton Keynes team, who has always ‘supervised’ the Faenza team – And it would be optimistic to think we have it for Japan“. Ricciardo therefore, barring sudden improvements in his health conditions, could return to racing in early OctoberQatar.
MotoGP effect
To explain the prudence that is being adopted on this occasion, Horner mentioned the many injuries seen in MotoGP, referring – without naming him – to the now infamous case involving Marc Marquez. “We have seen how with bikers rushing back sometimes more damage is done to themselves – explained the boss of Red Bull to reporters – so what we want is just to make sure that [Ricciardo] is fully fit before you get back in the car“. It should also not be forgotten that for Lawson – who is also participating in the Japanese Super Formula championship this year – it would be special to have the chance to race at Suzuka.
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