Australian Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo has been disqualified for exceeding the maximum allowed fuel flow during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday.
The young Australian achieved his first ever career podium finish but was quickly stripped off his second place ranking when the officials ruled his car “exceeded consistently the maximum allowed fuel flow of 100kg/h”.
Red Bull immediately said it would appeal against the disqualification.
It means behind first placed Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg comes McLaren’s Danish rookie Kevin Magnussen (promoted to second) and his McLaren team-mate Jenson Button has been bumped up to third.
Rosberg’s win came after team-mate Lewis Hamilton retired early in the race with engine problems about the same time defending champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull also exited.
Ahead of the disqualification’s confirmation, Ricciardo expressed his pride in his race performance.
“Whatever the outcome I’m really proud of what I did today. There are more positives than negatives,” he said.
Red Bull released a statement saying they believe they were compliant with the new rules.
“Inconsistencies with the FIA fuel flow meter have been prevalent all weekend up and down the pit lane,” the statement said.
“The Team and Renault are confident the fuel supplied to the engine is in full compliance with the regulations.”
Source: ABC
