Official: Ricciardo joins Renault for the next two seasons!
Leaving Red Bull, the Australian driver has just signed with the French team! As expected, he will be partnered with Nico Hülkenberg.
The confirmation did not take long. Daniel Ricciardo will indeed be a driver for the Renault Sport F1 Team for the next two seasons. A two-time winner this year, ‘Dan The Man’ has signed a contract lasting until the end of 2020, with an option for the 2021 season, which will be marked by major regulatory changes.
In the meantime, Renault has just pulled off a very nice move in the transfer market by attracting a driver from the Red Bull camp, a nice nod to the recent tumultuous history between the two teams. Ricciardo had repeatedly stated his desire to be in a position to compete for the title during the 2020 season. Finding the doors closed at Ferrari and Mercedes, the Perth native was initially expected to sign a contract extension with Red Bull. He even said in Hungary that the deal was close. But on the other hand, the driver marked with number 3 was concerned about the direction taken by the Winged Bull, which is heading into the unknown with Honda. Swayed by the interest shown by factory teams like McLaren or Renault, he has now chosen the first option.
« This was one of the most difficult decisions to make in my career. But I think it was time for me to change scenery and accept a new challenge », said the driver currently in fifth place in the overall standings, out of the title race.
I know there is a lot of work to help Renault achieve its victory goals. But I have been impressed by their progress over the past two years. I also know that when Renault commits to this sport, victory is usually at the end of the road. I hope to be able to help them in this adventure by making my contribution on and off the track.
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Such a decision has certainly delighted his future boss, namely Cyril Abiteboul.
« Daniel’s signing underscores our determination to continue our progress to the forefront of our sport. It is also a recognition of the work we have accomplished over the past two and a half years. »
Suspense is also over regarding the identity of his future teammate: under contract until the end of 2019, Nico Hülkenberg retains his seat within the diamond-shaped firm. Two decisions that don’t work in Esteban Ocon’s favor, as he will have to find a new position, perhaps at McLaren or simply with Force India if it is not placed into liquidation. On his side, Carlos Sainz will not extend the adventure with Renault. Will he manage to gain Christian Horner’s trust by stepping into the vacated Red Bull?
“We are delighted to announce that @danielricciardo will join @RenaultSportF1 as race driver from 2019. Full report 👉 https://t.co/9LUkd22abr #RSspirit pic.twitter.com/OIXUbjIoRm”
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1), August 3
Daring, this movement is nonetheless interesting. The Renault team has already announced its intentions for the future: play for the world title by 2020-2021, at the time of regulatory changes. And for that, the French team is heading in the right direction, now being the best team behind the Mercedes-Ferrari-Red Bull trio. Progress on the engine side is just as important, and the technical team is strengthening more and more. Concretely, the Renault team has resources. It remains to be seen if this new duo can dream even higher. The challenge may not succeed in the first year, but nonetheless, the French team now has its headliner.
