Ricciardo takes on new-spec Renault engine at Monza, and a grid penalty

Daniel Ricciardo's RB14 will be fitted with Renault's latest-spec engine at Monza, but the change will be accompanied by grid penalties for the Aussie.

An inevitable grid demotion had been looming for Ricciardo, so the opportunity to sample Renault's new C-spec power unit shall be tactically taken advantage of at the Italian venue, although for now, the Aussie is scheduled to be the sole recipient of the engine, although Verstappen could also make the switch if the unit proves satisfactory.

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Interestingly, the works Renault outfit won't be using the latest upgrade given that it has not been certified as sufficiently reliable by Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul who wants to keep the team in the running for fourth in the Constructor's standings.

"Daniel will be incurring penalties at the next race, because he’s due an engine change," Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Motorsport.com.

"There’s a significant amount of cost that’s gone into integrating the engine into the car, because [of] cooling etc., so if there is any performance, which it looks like there is with our fuel partner, we’re happy to take that risk.

"We’ll run the engine on Friday, and then make a decision on Friday evening as to whether we retain it.

"If it looks good in Daniel’s car, Max will have it on Saturday. He’s due an engine in Monza as well, so we’ll make the decision on Friday evening what engines the drivers go into the race with."

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