MELBOURNE, Australia -- Daniel Ricciardo has lashed out at the Australian Grand Prix stewards after receiving a three-place grid penalty for failing to slow during a red flag period in FP2.

The Red Bull driver and local hope had just rounded Turn 12 when the red flag dropped after a timing cable became loose on the start-finish line. While he did abort his ultra-soft flying lap, Ricciardo failed to slow enough and subsequently was handed the home race grid drop.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of FP3, Ricciardo blasted the decision, claiming a bit of common sense was needed in determining his punishment.

"To give me a grid penalty before the season started is [censored]," Ricciardo told Sky Sports. "There's other penalties they could have used. They could have given me a reprimand, they could have given something else.

"I knew there was a red flag. I admitted when I went [into the stewards office] that I did break the rule but, again, I think a bit of common sense ... There was no incident, I still slowed down, I wasn't speeding, I wasn't driving in danger, I wasn't trying to achieve anything from it. Give me a fine for all I care but don't rob me of a front row start."

Article 31.6 was added to the Formula One rule book ahead of the 2018 season to ensure drivers reduce speed sufficiently during a red flag and while the stewards thoroughly reviewed the incident -- and found Ricciardo "slowed significantly" -- they still opted to impose the grid drop.

Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix. Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says he's "gutted" for his driver agreeing that there's other ways the stewards could have handed the incident.

"I've never seen him that angry before," Horner said. "We are gutted for him and it's tremendously frustrating because he's marginally committed the offence. He didn't lift and slow down immediately quick enough. You would have thought a slap on the wrist or even a reprimand or fine would have been more appropriate.

"The starts that he's capable of on the first lap, three places he can deal with in three corners. He's had some great wins for us and it would be great to see him add to that."