Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen say they are hoping for a “fun” Italian Grand Prix, with both consigned to starting towards the back of the grid due to engine penalties.
Ricciardo has sustained a 20-place drop for new components, with Verstappen facing a 15-place demotion, joining Carlos Sainz Jr. and Fernando Alonso in taking sanctions.
Red Bull occupied its usual territory during Friday practice at Monza, with Verstappen edging Ricciardo to take fifth, the pair a second off the pace of the Mercedes/Ferrari battle, and are hoping for a fun recovery drive on Sunday.
“We were pretty competitive in those conditions today,” said Ricciardo.
“We’ll make some minor adjustments tonight but generally the car feels quite good here.
“If it’s wet tomorrow we’ll probably try everything and see if we have a chance for a pole position.
“If it’s dry we’ll have to assess further, because even if I’m pole position I’ll probably start at the back.
“Even though I’ve got the penalty I’m actually excited for tomorrow and the race on Sunday, knowing we’ll start at the back we have a chance to have a fun race.
“Of course it’s disappointing knowing that the chance of a Monza podium is unlikely, but the chance of a fun race is there.
“I expected this a few races ago so at least I was prepared, however I’m excited for the chance to pass a few people on Sunday.”
Verstappen added: “We are more or less where we expected to be with the car today.
“It is hard for us on this track with the long straights which we have to combine with a very low downforce setting so we just try to make the best of it.
“We will start the race a bit further back with the penalties but hopefully I can enjoy overtaking a good number of cars on Sunday.”
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