Formula 1 News: Marko says Ricciardo's hand fractured in 7 places

(GMM) AlphaTauri F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo fractured his hand in 7 places in Zandvoort, Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko has revealed.

After crashing in practice at Zandvoort and sustaining the injury, Australian Ricciardo also missed the Italian GP whilst recovering from surgery.

Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Scuderia AlphaTauri looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 14, 2023 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

He will again be replaced by Liam Lawson this weekend in Singapore, but 33-year-old Ricciardo will actually be trackside with Alpha Tauri “only for engineering purposes”.

“He won’t be available for any media and-or PR activities,” the Red Bull-owned team added.

Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Scuderia AlphaTauri walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 14, 2023 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

Marko and Red Bull boss Christian Horner have already indicated that Ricciardo will almost certainly also sit out next weekend’s Japanese GP.

“It’s complicated,” Marko told Servus TV when asked about Ricciardo’s injury.

“There are seven fractures,” he revealed. “The same doctor who operated on Marc Marquez is taking care of him.

“We are expecting a six-week break and have brought in a top replacement in Liam Lawson. We don’t want to take any risks.”