Daniel Ricciardo will join Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas in the 'demoted drivers club' following an unscheduled gearbox change on the #3 Red Bull.

The British Grand Prix Stewards were apparently informed Friday evening at 7.30pm of the decision by the team. 

As with Bottas, the move will prevent the Aussie from starting higher than sixth on Sunday's grid.

Hopefully the unfortunate change won't prevent Ricciardo from targeting a sixth consecutive  podium finish.

Max Verstappen, who has been dogged with bad luck lately, will carry the Red Bull torch at the start and hope for a trouble-free race.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Heartbreak for Verstappen at the Nürburgring but ‘I’ll be back’

Max Verstappen’s bid to conquer the Nürburgring 24 Hours has ended in a cloud of…

38 minutes ago

Button on racing’s mental toll: ‘As drivers, we’re flawed’

Jenson Button has offered a stark, unusually candid reflection on what really sits beneath the…

1 hour ago

Bearman admits F1 debut with Ferrari ‘was a crazy step’

For most young racing drivers, a call-up to Ferrari would feel like a dream. For…

3 hours ago

Verstappen leads Nürburgring 24 Hours in thrilling closing stages

With less than five hours remaining in the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours, Max Verstappen has…

4 hours ago

Sainz samples new Madring: ‘You’ve created quite a cocktail’

The Spanish Grand Prix’s future home is still surrounded by construction barriers, deadlines and heavy…

21 hours ago

Ten years on: Marko reveals Horner resisted Verstappen promotion

Helmut Marko has revealed that Max Verstappen’s in-season promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull…

23 hours ago