Renault Sport Formula One Team have confirmed Daniel Ricciardo will join the team from the 2019 season. He will team up with current driver Nico Hülkenberg.
Following on from our earlier story that Daniel Ricciardo will leave the Red Bull team at the end of this season, Renault have since announced that the Australian driver will join the Enstone squad for 2019.
He will partner Nico Hulkenberg, and has signed a two year deal that will take him to the end of 2020.
“It was probably one of the most difficult decisions to take in my career so far.” said Ricciardo of his decision to switch teams.
“But I thought that it was time for me to take on a fresh and new challenge. I realise that there is a lot ahead in order to allow Renault to reach their target of competing at the highest level but I have been impressed by their progression in only two years, and I know that each time Renault has been in the sport they eventually won. I hope to be able to help them in this journey and contribute on and off track.”
Ricciardo has driven for Red Bull-Renault since 2014, winning seven races over the last five seasons, including this year’s Monaco Grand Prix.
With Renault becoming increasingly competitive since their return to F1 as a works team in 2016, Ricciardo has placed his faith in their hands as he steps away from the upcoming Red Bull/Honda partnership.
Cyril Abiteboul of Renault said: “Daniel’s signing underscores our determination to accelerate our progress towards the forefront of the sport. It is also a recognition of the work accomplished over the past two and a half seasons. Daniel’s undoubted talent and charisma are a huge bonus and statement for the team. We will have to repay his faith in us by delivering the best car possible. We welcome him to our growing team in 2019 with a great deal of pride, but also humility.”
