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Ricciardo compares yesterday to being punched by Mike Tyson

11:35, 23 Jul 2018

byBobby Vincent

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo compares his latest F1 setback to getting a punch from former boxing world champion Mike Tyson.

Ricciardo crashed out of the German Grand Prix on Sunday, after suffering an engine failure at mid-distance.

This is now the second time in three races that Ricciardo has been forced to retire following mechanical problems.

It's his third retirement of the season and he has fallen down to fifth in the drivers' standings; just a single point ahead of his team-mate and good friend, Max Verstappen.

"I felt a it braking for Turn 6," Ricciardo said to reporters.

"When I was downshifting, I heard something was sick. And then once I expected something when I got on power, and it was underpowered. And I could hear some noises, so it didn't sound healthy.

"I came on the radio straight away. I expected them to tell me to pull it over, and they did. I guess it is the engine or something."

Ricciardo believed that he was finally getting into the race prior to his retirement, after the Australian had to start the race in 19th.

"The first 10, 15 laps were really hard with the medium," Ricciardo added.

"I don't think with hindsight it was a very good tyre. I was really struggling in the traffic. Even off the start, just had no grid. Once I got clear air we were able to do some low 18s, which seemed competitive at the time."