Daniel Ricciardo, newly graduated from the Toro Ross “junior” team, pilots his Red Bull RB10 to a stunning 2nd place at the 2014 Australian GP before a stewards disqualification for using an unapproved fuel flow sensor.
Courtesy of Red Bull Racing via Facebook.
The riotous celebrations on the podium and in the grandstands were soon muted as the news filtered through that the FIA was investigating a possible transgression regarding fuel flow. The sport’s new rules call for fuel use to be carefully regulated to 100kg/h during the race and, according to officials, Daniel’s car was believed to have gone beyond this tolerance.
Some four hours later the race stewards eventually delivered their verdict — Daniel was disqualified from the result. The team announced its intention to immediately appeal. The verdict was a painful end to the opening race day of the season, especially as Sebastian Vettel’s championship defense also got off to a rocky start when he was forced to retire from the race after just five laps with a power unit issue.
From delight to dismay for Daniel and the team | Infiniti Red Bull Racing.
From delight to dismay for Daniel and the team. #AusGP http://t.co/ZiTVCw6RTp pic.twitter.com/VGOajSG7Y8
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 16, 2014