Daniel Ricciardo moves from Renault to McLaren for 2021, Carlos Sainz joins Ferrari as Sebastian Vettel's replacement
Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Renault have decided to part ways and the driver is set to race for McLaren in 2021, the British Formula One team said in a statement on Thursday.
Daniel Ricciardo moves from Renault to McLaren for 2021, , F1 Twitter
Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Renault have decided to part ways and the driver is set to race for McLaren in 2021, the British Formula One team said in a statement on Thursday.
The 30-year-old, winner of seven races for Red Bull, will partner British driver Lando Norris and replace Spaniard Carlos Sainz who is set to join Ferrari as Sebastian Vettel's replacement.
BREAKING: Carlos Sainz joins Ferrari for 2021#F1 pic.twitter.com/eMy1PGOTce
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 14, 2020
Ferrari has confirmed Sainz's arrival after announcing on Tuesday that Vettel would be leaving after six years at Maranello.
According to McLaren, Ricciardo has signed a multi-year deal with the former champions, who finished fourth overall last year but did not win a race since 2012.
"Signing Daniel is another step forward in our long-term plan and will bring an exciting new dimension to the team, alongside Lando," said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.
BREAKING: Daniel Ricciardo to join McLaren in 2021#F1 pic.twitter.com/CckaoJX4DX
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 14, 2020
As for Sainz, the American paid tribute to the driver for "the excellent job he has been doing for McLaren in helping our performance recovery plan.
"He is a real team player and we wish him well for his future beyond McLaren," he added.
Renault issued a short statement saying discussions with Ricciardo over a renewal of his contract had not been successful.
Renault DP World F1 Team and Daniel Ricciardo will not continue collaboration beyond 2020
Within the unprecedented context of the 2020 season, discussions held with Daniel Ricciardo concerning a renewal of his contract beyond the end of 2020 have not been successful.#RSspirit pic.twitter.com/dO7G6YW4Sm
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) May 14, 2020
They, however, gave no indication of who might replace Ricciardo, although according to media speculation, double world champion Fernando Alonso could make a comeback with the team. He had won titles with them in 2005 and 2006.
The 38-year-old Spaniard last drove for McLaren in Formula One in 2018.
"In our sport, and particularly within the current extraordinary situation, reciprocated confidence, unity and commitment are, more than ever, critical values for a works team," said Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul.
"I am confident that the 2020 season will allow us to accomplish even more together. Our ambitions and the strategy of Renault DP World F1 Team remain unchanged."