Daniel Ricciardo targeting Austin for Formula 1 return

Daniel Ricciardo is planning to return to the Formula One field for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, according to substitute Liam Lawson.

Daniel Ricciardo is targeting the United States Grand Prix in Austin for his F1 return. (File / Mark Thompson / Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool)

Speaking ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Lawson revealed the plans for Ricciardo to return after breaking his hand in a crash during practice at the Dutch Grand Prix.

“That's definitely the target,” said Lawson.

The Kiwi has replaced Ricciardo at AlphaTauri for five grands prix as Ricciardo underwent surgery in Spain before returning to Australia to recover.

“I think that's more likely, I would say it's more likely that he would be back in Austin, but obviously I can't say for certain,” said Lawson.

“But yeah, obviously, we have over a week to say to give more time to be ready for it so I would say it's probably Austin.”

The return would allow Ricciardo to contest the final five races of the year before he returns for the 2024 season after recently being announced as the team’s full-time driver alongside Yuki Tsunoda.

Austin is the first leg of a triple-header with Mexico and then Brazil in quick succession, before the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, something Ricciardo says he is excited about, claiming “98% credit” for the event.

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