On the bubble Ricciardo expecting engine penalty

Daniel Ricciardo has reached the limit of the maximum number of allowed power unit elements, which means any component failure this weekend will automatically lead to a grid penalty for the Red Bull driver.

That probability has increased however as the Milton Keynes-based outfit ponders a deliberate component change in order to head to the Hungaroring next week free of any engine worries, the tight and twisty venue being particularly well-suited to Red Bull's RB14.

“We are still not sure probably to what extent but it is likely," Ricciardo said when asked about the likelihood of taking an engine penalty.

"Don’t want to risk it for a disco biscuit. Ideally, we win next weekend, and suck it up here."

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The prospect of a grid setback won't deter the Aussie from challenging for a spot on the podium on Sunday, which is where he ended up the last time F1 visited Hockenheim, in 2016.

"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.

"In 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."

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