Ricciardo fumes at 's***house' grid penalty

Daniel Ricciardo has described the decision to hand him a three-place grid penalty as "s***house". The Red Bull was penalised on Friday for speeding under red flags when a piece of wiring had come loose on the pit straight at Albert Park.

Ricciardo faces a tough ask to secure a first podium, never mind victory, at his home Australian Grand Prix after a sanction which the FIA themselves appeared to hint was harsh.

"The Stewards thoroughly reviewed the breach and found that the driver slowed significantly, such that no danger was created, and that the driver proceeded with due care," the statement read.

Regardless, Ricciardo was punished due to coming in below a pre-set time - a decision he claimed was lacking in common sense.

"I think it's s***house," Ricciardo told Channel Ten.

Tough news for our Aussie who has received a three place grid penalty for a red flag violation. Expect a fired up #HoneyBadger this weekend! ???? #AusGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/zRihCCZ4Y8 — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 23, 2018

"Yesterday's news has been pretty bitter for me - I'm pissed to say the least.

"I just think common sense should have prevailed."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said he had never seen the usually smiley Australian so vexed, with Ricciardo losing out on his best chance at a home win so far as the team continue to close the gap to Mercedes.

"I thought a reprimand or a fine was more appropriate," Horner said. "He was very angry last night. I have never seen him angry before.

"If he needed extra motivation - not that he did - to win this weekend he has got it, he is pretty pumped up.

"It might relieve the pressure on him, he can now just go for it.

"He has had some great wins for us. It would be great to see him add to them here."