Daniel Ricciardo is set for a grid penalty at this weekend’s Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix after taking on a new Turbocharger, his sixth of the season.
It is the latest setback in a tricky run for Ricciardo, having retired from eight races in 2018 – six due to mechanical failures, including at the most recent two Grands Prix.
He also started from the back in Italy and Russia due to engine sanctions, and took up a compromised grid spot in Japan after a failure that left him unable to participate in Q2.
Ricciardo sat in his Red Bull RB14 at the end of the pit lane 10 minutes prior to the start of Friday’s FP1 session at Interlagos in order to ensure his sanction would be dealt with first, in case any rivals also took on fresh engine parts.
Ricciardo will therefore drop five places on the grid from wherever he qualifies, according to a stewards' statement.
Ricciardo, who will move to Renault for 2019, is assured of finishing sixth in this year’s Drivers’ Championship.
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