McLaren sign Ricciardo as Sainz replacement
May 14, 2020 09:54 MYT
McLaren have confirmed the signing of Daniel Ricciardo from Formula One rivals Renault, paving the way for Carlos Sainz's move to Ferrari.
There has been no race action in the 2020 F1 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, but with many drivers' contracts coming to an end in 2021, teams are beginning to shuffle their packs ahead of next year.
Ferrari confirmed on Tuesday that former world champion Sebastian Vettel would be leaving the team upon the expiration of his deal.
Sainz had been widely tipped to be Vettel's replacement and that switch was duly confirmed after McLaren announced the Spaniard would be bringing an end to his two-year stay at the team, with Ricciardo drafted in to race alongside Lando Norris from 2021.
Ricciardo, meanwhile, came close to joining McLaren ahead of the 2019 season, but the Australian instead elected to join Renault, who have been linked with moves for Vettel and former two-time world champion Fernando Alonso as potential team-mates for Esteban Ocon.
BREAKING: Daniel Ricciardo to join McLaren in 2021#F1 pic.twitter.com/CckaoJX4DX
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 14, 2020
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