AlphaTauri CEO gives update on Ricciardo: 'Return at the earliest there'

AlphaTauri CEO Peter Bayer has revealed that Daniel Ricciardo will definitely miss the Japanese Grand Prix. After the Formula One weekend in Singapore, the Australian will fly home, where he will undergo physiotherapy.

Ricciardo is in the Singapore F1 paddock but will sit on the sidelines during the GP weekend while Liam Lawson drives in his place. After the weekend, the injured AlphaTauri driver will fly to Australia, where he will undergo physiotherapy and start evaluating when he will be able to drive again.

The plan is for the Australian to drive again in Qatar. It "will definitely not be" before that according to Bayer. The AlphaTauri CEO reveals this in a conversation with the German branch of Sky Sports.

Lawson has so far received high praise for his first appearances in the top class of motorsport. No driver's place at Red Bull Racing's sister team is secure, and that seems to be clear from Bayer's comments on the upcoming season: "We are keeping all options open."