Ricciardo drops to back for Turkish GP after F1 engine change

The Australian was due to start only 15th on the grid following a surprise Q1 elimination during a disappointing qualifying session in Turkey. 

After evaluating the situation overnight, McLaren has elected to take the opportunity to swap Ricciardo’s engine in favour of fresh components. 

McLaren will not make wholesale power unit changes however, having chosen to only install a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H and exhaust system. 

The strategic engine change consigns Ricciardo to a back-of-the-grid start for the Turkish Grand Prix, where he will line up behind directly behind Carlos Sainz. 

Sainz also has a grid penalty after Ferrari fitted its upgraded engine in his car ahead of the race in Istanbul. 

A total of three drivers have taken grid drops in Turkey, with world championship leader Lewis Hamilton starting 11th after Mercedes replaced his internal combustion engine. 

Mercedes has admitted it will have to “contain” the reliability issues it is facing with its current engine for the remainder of the 2021 season.

McLaren goes into Sunday’s race 17.5 points clear of Ferrari in the battle over third place in the constructors’ championship.

Ricciardo’s teammate Lando Norris starts seventh, while Charles Leclerc will line up third in his Ferrari.