Kevin Magnussen is set to go under the knife just weeks before the start of the new Formula 1 season.
The Haas racer's preparations for the new season look set to be disrupted after he began to feel pain in his left wrist. During a visit to his doctor, it was discovered that he had a problem which requires surgery.
"I had a sore wrist so I went to the doctor to have it looked at and they found a cyst that needs to be removed now so I can be ready for the F1 season," said the Dane. "It's a harmless procedure, but I probably need to rest for a couple of weeks afterwards."
If all goes well, he is expected to recover in time to be able to compete in the Bahrain season opener as planned. But it does place his other racing plans before the start of the F1 season into jeopardy.
Magnussen had been planning on taking part in the 24 Hours of Daytona at the end of January, teaming up with his father Jan and Mark Kvamme. But he now says it is "unlikely" he will have recovered in time for that event.
The Haas driver will no doubt be gutted to miss out on that opportunity, having made a point of spending some time racing with his dad this winter. They already teamed up last month for the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi and finished in the top 10.
MDK Motorsports owner Kvamme said they will "find another opportunity to go racing together" if Magnussen is unable to compete at Daytona. He added that "Kevin's F1 schedule has the highest priority".
In a statement, Haas said: "Kevin Magnussen has kept MoneyGram Haas F1 Team fully briefed on his requirement for minor hand surgery. The team is looking forward to Kevin being at full strength for his pre-season testing commitments starting next month."
Magnussen will be joined by a new team-mate this season, with Nico Hulkenberg racing alongside him for Haas. The two experienced racers have not always got along in the past, though they say that is now water under the bridge and that they don't have to be best friends to work together.
