After an F1 engine change, Ricciardo will drop to the Turkish GP grid

After McLaren decided to use a new power unit, Daniel Ricciardo looks likely to start the Turkish Grand Prix at the end of the grid.

The Australian had a difficult qualifying session, as he was knocked out of Q1 due to a lack of confidence on soft tyres in the damp but drying conditions.

McLaren reviewed overnight if it would be useful to add a fresh Mercedes power unit to his pool after being scheduled to start from 15th on the grid.

With several races still to go, Mercedes’ customers, like the works teams, are concerned about the reliability risks of the German car makers’ engines.

Following evaluation, Motorsport.com understands that McLaren has decided to go for an engine swap to get an extra power unit on board.

Ricciardo’s internal combustion engine, turbo, and MGU-H have all been replaced by McLaren rather than a totally new power unit.

The introduction of a single new power unit component beyond what is allowed in F1 results in a 10-place grid penalty, according to the sport’s rules.

If a driver receives a penalty that exceeds 15 grid places, he will be forced 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, because Sainz set a faster time in qualifying than Ricciardo, the Spaniard will start 19th and Ricciardo will start last.

Before the news that he would be moving back, Ricciardo conceded that making significant progress in the race would be difficult.

“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.”

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