» Back of the grid for Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardolooks set to start Sunday’s German Formula 1 Grand Prix from the back of the grid after fitting new power unit elements ahead of Friday’s practice sessions.

The Australian has taken on his third MGU-K as well as a third Energy Store and Control Electronics. The first warrants an immediate 10-place grid penalty, while the additional two power unit elements will trigger an automatic demotion to the back of the 20-car grid.

The Milton Keynes squad is yet to change his V6 Internal Combustion Engine, MGU-H or Turbo, which would trigger further grid penalties were a swap delayed until the following Grand Prix in Hungary, where the team is expected to be more competitive. Strategically, it would be more sensible to fit these new elements as well and the team is expected to do so overnight to avoid further penalties.

The Red Bull Racing team runs Renault-built TAG Heuer badged power units and will switch to factory-supported Honda engines in 2019.

Image via Aston Martin Red Bull Racing