Ricciardo compares latest setback to punch from Tyson 

Daniel Ricciardo has likened his latest setback of the 2018 Formula 1 season to a punch from former professional boxer Mike Tyson after retiring from the German Grand Prix. 

The Red Bull driver was on a fightback through the field after starting 19th on the Hockenheim grid - following a series of power unit component changes - when he suffered an engine failure at mid-distance. 

Ricciardo’s third mechanical-related retirement of the season means the Australian has fallen to fifth in the drivers’ standings and is now just one point clear of teammate Max Verstappen. 

"Roll with the punches. Even if they're coming from Tyson,” Ricciardo tweeted after the conclusion of Sunday’s race. 

"I felt it braking for Turn 6," he added when he spoke to reporters. "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. And I could hear some noises, so it didn't sound healthy.

"I came on the radio straight away. I expected them to tell me to pull it over, and they did. I guess it is the engine or something.

Ricciardo explained he felt like the race was swinging back in his direction when the issue occurred. 

"The first 10, 15 laps were really hard with the medium,” he said. “I don't think with hindsight it was a very good tyre. I was really struggling in the traffic. Even off the start just had no grip. Once I got clear 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. But it is just racing... I have been here too often, actually. It hurts, it always does. But what do you do?"