Ricciardo livid over 'shithouse' Australian GP grid penalty!

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Daniel Ricciardo lashed out at stewards for hitting the Red Bulld river with a three-place grid penalty in tomorrow's Australian Grand Prix.

The local hero was caught out by a red flag late in yesterday's FP2 session for a loose wire on the pit straight.

It was considered that Ricciardo did not stay above the mandatory minimum time set by the FIA in the "penultimate and final mini marshalling sectors" of the lap.

It was one very angry Honey Badger who responded to a penalty which wiped the Aussie's signature smile off his face.

"I can agree with everyone, there are other penalties they could have used," he told Sky Sports F1.

"They could have given a reprimand, they could have given something [else]. To give me a grid penalty before the season has started is ****house.

Ricciardo handed three-place grid penalty!

"I slowed down. I knew there was a red flag, I didn't go slow enough.

"When I went in there [the stewards' office] I said I did break that rule but there are guidelines and one of them is a grid-place penalty, but as well you've got to have a bit of common sense."

Clearly, in the eyes of Ricciardo and his team, the severity of the punishment far outweighed the nature of the offense.

"There was no incident, I still slowed down," he added.

"I wasn't speeding, I wasn't driving in danger and I wasn't trying to achieve anything from it. It was just an honest mistake.

"Does that really rob me of a front-row start? They could give me a reprimand, give me a fine for all I care, but don't rob me of a front-row start."

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner echoed his drivers frustrations.

"It's hard enough for us to understand let alone explain it to the viewers and the fans. You'd have thought a fine or slap on the wrist could have been more appropriate," said Horner.

"I've never seen him that angry before."

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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.