Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo Confirms move to Renault Sport for 2019

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Daniel Ricciardo - Aston Martin Red Bull Racing - Hungaroring
Credit: Octane Photographic Ltd

It was announced that Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo is set to leave the team at the end of the season, and the Australian has signed a two-year contract with the Renault Sport Formula One Team, starting in 2019, where he will partner Nico Hülkenburg.

Red Bull have had a difficult season this far, being plagued by reliability issues, but despite this the Australian has surprised many by jumping ship to Renault, where Jérôme Stoll, President of Renault Sport Racing, has welcomed him to the team.

“Renault decided to come back to Formula 1 to fight for World Championships.  Signing Daniel Ricciardo is a unique opportunity for the Groupe Renault towards this objective that could not be missed.  We welcome Daniel’s arrival to our team, still in the making, but more motivated than ever, said Stoll.

Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director with the team said that Ricciardo’s signing was a massive asset.

“Daniel’s signing underscores our determination to accelerate our progress to the forefront of the sport.  It is also a recognition of the work accomplished over two and half seasons.  Daniel’s undoubted talent and charisma are a huge bonus and a statement for the team.

“We will have to repay his faith in us by developing the best car possible.  We welcome him to out growing team in 2019 with a great deal of pride, but also humility,” he added.

Riccardo said it was not an easy decision to leave Red Bull, but he wanted a fresh start and a challenge.

“It was probably one of the most difficult decisions to take in my career so far. 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, said Ricciardo.

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F1 reporter for The Checkered Flag. Also a second year Journalism student at Robert Gordon University. Feel free to follow me on Twitter at @findlaygrant5.
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