Ricciardo joins McLaren on multi-year deal for 2021 F1 season
There's quite a game of musical chairs happening in Formula 1.
Daniel Ricciardo will make the jump from Renault to join rival McLaren on a multi-year agreement that begins next season.
"Daniel is a proven race-winner and his experience, commitment and energy will be a valuable addition to McLaren and our mission to return to the front of the field," McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl said in a statement Friday. "With Daniel and Lando as teammates, I believe we have two racers who will continue to excite our fans and help the team grow."
Riccardo will finish the 2020 campaign with Renault, his second year with the team, before becoming teammates with Lando Norris. The 30-year-old placed ninth in the driver standings and didn't finish on the podium in 21 races with Renault last season. He has seven wins since his 2011 F1 debut, with his most recent checkered flag coming at the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix.
I am so grateful for my time with @renaultf1team and the way I was accepted into the team. But we aren’t done and I can’t wait to get back on the grid this year. My next chapter isn’t here yet, so let’s finish this one strong. Merci pic.twitter.com/YFfzbwrgD7
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) May 14, 2020
Ricciardo replaces Carlos Sainz Jr., who is leaving McLaren for Ferrari after the announcement that Sebastian Vettel will depart the latter team following the 2020 season.
"Carlos is a true professional, a pleasure to work with and we will continue to enjoy going racing with him this year," Seidl said. "We all wish him good luck for the next stage in his career when he leaves McLaren."