Daniel Ricciardo penalised ahead of Saudi Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo has been handed a three-position grid penalty ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Ricciardo had qualified 12th behind teammate Lando Norris.
Prior to the penalty, Riccardo had celebrated the progress made by the team week-on-week.
“We can be more positive with this result as a team,” said Ricciardo.
“A week ago we weren’t in this competitive position, fighting for Q3.”
“Both cars were about a tenth off.”
“I think it’s been a smoother weekend for us, so hopefully tomorrow we can execute a good strategy and try to get into the top ten.”
Unfortunately for the Australian, he will be dropped down the grid after being found to have impeded Esteban Ocon during qualifying.
"It was clear that Car 31 was unnecessarily impeded by Car 3," read the decision from the stewards.
"It was also clear that the team failed in its duty to keep the driver of Car 3 properly informed of approaching cars."
"This is particularly so given the tight nature of this circuit."
"In the circumstances, we impose a penalty of a drop of 3 grid positions to the driver of Car 3 and a fine of Euro 10,000 to the team."
Ricciardo will start the Grand Prix in fourteenth after the retirement of Mick Schumacher, who crashed heavily and withdrew from the race weekend.
“It’s good to hear that Mick is OK after a big impact,” said Ricciardo.
“We’re wishing him a quick recovery and look forward to seeing him back.”
The Formula 1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix gets underway Monday 4am AEDT on Kayo Sports in Australia, or Monday 6am NZDT on Spark Sport in New Zealand.
