Ricciardo’s new drive

Ferrari out of race as McLaren swoops on Aussie

AUSTRALIAN Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo will leave Renault and race for McLaren in 2021 and beyond.

The 30-year-old, winner of seven races for Red Bull, will partner British driver Lando Norris and replaces Spaniard Carlos Sainz who will join Ferrari as four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel’s replacement.

McLaren said Ricciardo had signed a multi-year deal with the former champions, who finished fourth last year but have not won 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,” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said.

Ricciardo took to Twitter to express his gratitude to Renault before insisting his focus is on the current season, which could start in July in Austria.

“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,” Ricciardo wrote.

Brown also paid tribute to Sainz for “the excellent job he has been doing for McLaren in helping our performance recovery plan”.

Renault issued a short statement saying discussions with Ricciardo over a renewal of his contract had not been successful. They gave no indication of who might replace the popular Australian, though media speculation has suggested double world champion Fernando Alonso could make a comeback with the team that took him to titles in 2005 and 2006.

“In our sport, and particularly within the current 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.”

Sainz, 25, has been at McLaren since last year and Ferrari will be his fourth team.