Ricciardo plots ‘something different’ for back of the grid charge

Daniel Ricciardo says whatever his front-running Formula 1 rivals plan for race strategy he needs to do the opposite to attack from the back of the grid at the German Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver effectively saw his qualifying become pointless due to his hefty engine grid penalty which has forced him to start from last place on the grid at Hockenheim.

Despite his engine penalties Ricciardo remains optimistic for the race, with sixth place his minimum target, and is confident of attacking with Hockenheim providing key overtaking places.

“If there is a way to beat them I need to do something different,” Ricciardo said. “We will try and change the strategy. I still don’t know if it is one or two stops but hopefully we just do the opposite of what they do. If they two-stop I will try and one-stop then we will see.

“I want to do something different because if there is a safety car or some incidents. Starting on the same tyre as them means I am just doing the same as them. But I am starting 20 positions back.

“You can pass in a few places, the hairpin at Turn 6 and Turn 8, for sure you can pass in those two places. Last sector probably not. But two good opportunities, so it is not the most but it is not the worst.”

Ricciardo was slapped with his back of the grid penalty after taking a new Motor Generator Unit, Energy Store and Control Electronics – all his third components of the season – exceeding the permitted limit fo two for the 2018 F1 season.