The FIA has confirmed Daniel Ricciardo will take at least a 20-place grid penalty for this weekend’s German Grand Prix after taking on new engine components.
The Australian has been on the cusp for a while with thoughts a new unit may have been as far back as Canada, following the MGU-K problem which threatened to end his victory chances in Monaco.
Instead, Red Bull has managed to make the engine last through the triple-header and now at Hockenheim, where overtaking is very possible particularly at Turn 6, the decision has been taken to take the hit.
A new MGU-K, control electronics and energy store are the three components which have tipped Ricciardo over the edge, with a 10-place grid penalty for the first and five for the others, and potentially more should a new turbo or ICE be installed.
In the build-up, the 29-year-old admitted the back-of-the-grid start was “likely” but was still hopeful for a strong race at a circuit where he finished second at two years ago.
“I like the track, it is fun, you can overtake so if we do have the penalties and I start towards the back… I’ll stay positive and know that there will be some good overtaking.
“There is a slight chance of rain on Saturday, that could change the grid a bit and the race will be all right, extra DRS zone now. So that should keep it closer.
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“I want a good race here. Even if I start towards the back I still want to go for it. I feel like the triple-header did not treat me that well,” he added.
“So I’d at least like to make this double-header good for me. Both heads, not just one.”
It is thought Red Bull chose Germany to take the pain, with expectations of fighting for another victory much higher when F1 heads to the twisty Hungaroring next weekend.