Daniel Ricciardo says he is confident he will avoid an engine related grid penalty at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, but is braced for “more pain” later in the season.
Red Bull opted to fit new engine components to his RB14 at the German Grand Prix, copping a grid drop, in order to maximise his prospects in Hungary, at a circuit more suited to its car.
Ricciardo, though, suffered a suspected engine problem in the race in Germany, raising fears that he could have to take on more components – and therefore face another drop – in Hungary.
“We still have another engine which is fine at the moment,” said Ricciardo on Thursday.
“So we’ll run that engine this weekend but on mileage and stuff it should be fine.
“Unless something unplanned happens to that we should be OK.
“All going normal it won’t hurt me this weekend but it means a bit more pain at some point after the race.”
Ricciardo added that he expects a close battle between the three front-running teams at the Hungaroring due to the various strengths of each car
“I’m not sure who is going to be the favourite this weekend,” he said.
“I really think all three are going to be really close. I’m going to predict, after me, the rest of the field will be within one tenth, the other five!
“It should be close, I hope it’s close, for all six cars.”
