Formula 1 Turkish GP
Ricciardo to take Turkish GP grid drop after F1 engine change
Daniel Ricciardo looks set to start Formula 1's Turkish Grand Prix from the back of the grid after McLaren elected to introduce a new power unit.
Jonathan Noble Adam Cooper
Edited: Oct 10, 2021, 12:01 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The Australian had a disappointing time in qualifying, as a lack of confidence on soft tyres in the damp but drying conditions resulted in him getting knocked out of Q1.
Having originally been set to start from 15th on the grid, McLaren evaluated overnight whether or not it would be beneficial to add a fresh Mercedes power unit to his pool.
Just like the works teams, Mercedes’ customers are mindful about the reliability risks of the German car manufacturers’ engines with many races still to go.
Following evaluation, Motorsport.com understands that McLaren has decided to go for an engine swap to get an extra power unit on board.
Rather than going for an entirely new power unit, McLaren has elected to change Ricciardo's internal combustion engine, turbo and MGU-H.
According to F1’s sporting regulations, the introduction of a single new power unit component beyond what is allowed results in a 10-place grid penalty.
However, if a driver incurs a penalty that exceeds 15 grid places then he is automatically required to start the race from the back of the grid.
So with Ricciardo falling foul of that regulation by totting up 30 places, he is forced to the back with Sainz.
However, with Sainz having set a faster time than him in qualifying, it means the Spaniard will take 19th on the grid and Ricciardo the final spot.
Speaking before confirmation that he was moving back, Ricciardo conceded that making much progress in the race will be a tough ask.
“We don't really know if it's going to be a difficult track for overtaking,” he said. “No track is easy, so I'm sure it will be challenging.
“But there were some long run instances [on Friday] where I felt quite comfortable, so you know I am also optimistic or confident that the race can certainly be the better. But we'll see.
“Most of the top 10 start on medium, So it's maybe that strategy choices aren’t that obvious. But I kind of just want to look forward and not waste energy on being frustrated or angry.”
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Schumacher never doubted he could shine in F1
Next article Wolff: F1 rules should ensure staff rotation to ease calendar pressure
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo shares heartfelt message after first Indy 500 visit brought back "childhood feelings"
Formula 1
Formula 1
Barcelona-Catalunya GP
Daniel Ricciardo shares heartfelt message after first Indy 500 visit brought back "childhood feelings"
Lando Norris reunites with Daniel Ricciardo for Indy 500 celebrations after disastrous Canadian GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
Canadian GP
Lando Norris reunites with Daniel Ricciardo for Indy 500 celebrations after disastrous Canadian GP
Daniel Ricciardo says life feels "more real" after abrupt F1 exit
Formula 1
Formula 1
Canadian GP
Daniel Ricciardo says life feels "more real" after abrupt F1 exit
More from
McLaren
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
The figures that show Mercedes has lost its supremacy in F1 2026
McLaren held fresh talks after Singapore GP clash as Lando Norris promises to "make better decisions"
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
McLaren held fresh talks after Singapore GP clash as Lando Norris promises to "make better decisions"
Latest news
Barcelona joins 2027 IndyCar schedule in multiyear deal
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 24 min
Barcelona joins 2027 IndyCar schedule in multiyear deal
Lamborghini Super Trofeo |Europe, Race 2: Salonen/Tuomaala take the win, Iaquinta/Gilardoni crowned champions
Lamborghini Super Trofeo
LBST Lamborghini Super Trofeo
World Finals - Monza 2026
37 min
Lamborghini Super Trofeo |Europe, Race 2: Salonen/Tuomaala take the win, Iaquinta/Gilardoni crowned champions
Josh McErlean to test 2027-spec M-Sport WRC car at ERC finale
WRC
WRC WRC 1 h
Josh McErlean to test 2027-spec M-Sport WRC car at ERC finale
George Russell: F1 2026 season a test of "character and resilience"
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
2 h
George Russell: F1 2026 season a test of "character and resilience"
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe