Ricciardo braces for German GP engine penalty
Daniel Ricciardo says he’s preparing for the German Grand Prix with the likelihood of an engine penalty overhanging him for an engine change.
The Red Bull driver is currently on the bubble of his maximum permitted engine components across all elements entering the 11th round of the current Formula 1 world championship, meaning any new parts would hand him a grid penalty.
Daniel Ricciardo says he’s preparing for the German Grand Prix with the likelihood of an engine penalty overhanging him for an engine change.
The Red Bull driver is currently on the bubble of his maximum permitted engine components across all elements entering the 11th round of the current Formula 1 world championship, meaning any new parts would hand him a grid penalty.
With one eye already on next week’s Hungarian Grand Prix, where Red Bull are already fancied as favourites given its strengths at less power-sensitive circuits, it is thought the team may opt to take on extra engine components and serve a grid penalty at Hockenheim in order to avoid any penalties next week at the Hungaroring.
“Likely,” Ricciardo said rating his chances of an engine penalty this weekend. “We are still not sure probably to what extent but it is likely. Don’t want to risk it for a disco biscuit. Ideally, we win next weekend, and suck it up here.”
Despite preparing for a grid drop, Ricciardo is still relishing his chance to challenge in Germany having claimed second place in the last F1 race at Hockenheim in 2016.
The Australian driver also sees more overtaking opportunities at the circuit which will aid an expected fight through the field on Sunday.
“I got second here, maybe I’ll win, that’d be nice,” he said. “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.
“2016 there were a few battles going on. I remember the race here in 2014 was fun. There was a lot of battles, I don’t know for the lead, but definitely the midfield. So there is a slight chance of rain on Saturday, that could change the grid a bit. The race will be all right, extra DRS zone now. So that should keep it closer.
“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. So I’d at least like to make this double-header good for me. Both heads not just one.”
Ricciardo has failed to finish on the podium since his flawless pole position and victory at Monaco in May, while his only two podiums in 2018 have come as victories including his win in China.
