Daniel Ricciardo conceded he probably won’t remember much from the German Grand Prix after a tough race was ended early by more engine problems.
The Australian entered the weekend already on the back foot with the knowledge he would start from the back of the grid as Red Bull finally decided to introduce new engine components which would go beyond his allowance for the season.
While the ‘Honey Badger’ had pumped himself up for a fight through the field even that brought little joy as he struggled to make rapid progress on a strategy more geared towards the potential for rain.
“The first 10 to 15 laps were really hard on the Medium tyre and they were a handful,” he explained.
“I was really struggling in the traffic. Even off the start just had no grip. Once I got into clean air we were able to so some low 18s, which seemed competitive at the time.
“It was looking alright. But we struggled that first part and then once we got a good run I think the race would probably have come to us.”
The 29-year-old would never find out, however, as on Lap 29 he would become the first retirement at Hockenheim.
“I felt it braking for Turn 6,” he said. “When I was downshifting, I heard something was sick and then once I accelerated I expected something when I got on power, and it was underpowered.
“I came on the radio straight away. I expected them to tell me to pull it over, and they did. I have not seen the team yet. I guess it is the engine or something.
“I feel like I have been in this position too often this season. It hurts, it always does.”
Though the reasoning has yet to be confirmed, should the issue be linked to the MGU-K, control electronics or battery it could result in yet another grid penalty this weekend in Hungary, a race Red Bull hope to win.
Certainly, Ricciardo hopes that won’t be the case and will want to create better memories than from his trip back to Germany.
“I may not remember this race but I will remember the crowd, they all showed up today which was really nice to see and I guess they know it may be the last time we come here for a while,” he said.
“It’s been a good show for them, but not for me. Hopefully, I can go and win in a week’s time before we all head off for the summer break.”
