Daniel Ricciardo is unlikely to return to the grid for the Singapore Grand Prix in two weeks’ time, says Purple Bull crew boss Christian Horner.

Reserve driver Liam Lawson has stepped in for Ricciardo at Alpha Tauri.

“Singapore, I do not suppose there’s any likelihood he’ll be prepared for then. It will be optimistic for Japan,” stated Horner.

The race on the Marina Bay avenue circuit in Singapore on 17 September is adopted by the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka per week later.

The Qatar Grand Prix in Doha takes place from 6-8 October.

Horner stated Ricciardo’s rehabilitation from an operation to insert screws into the bone is “going effectively”and he “has mobility in his hand”.

Ricciardo made a shock return to Components 1 in July as a substitute for Dutchman Nyck de Vries, who was dropped after solely 10 races with Alpha Tauri, Purple Bull’s junior crew.

The 34-year-old completed thirteenth in Hungary and sixteenth in Belgium earlier than the summer time break however crashed throughout second follow on the Dutch Grand Prix.

Horner warned that the eight-time race winner shouldn’t be pushed in his restoration.

He added: “We have seen with motorcyclists, speeding comebacks can typically do extra injury and we simply wish to ensure he’s totally match earlier than he is again within the automobile.

“We simply take it on a day-by-day foundation and see how the restoration and nature takes its course.”