Daniel Ricciardo is to leave Aston Martin Red Bull Racing at the end of the season the team have announced.
The future of the Australian has been cause for speculation all season with his contract coming to an end this year.
Ricciardo has won twice this season at the Chinese Grand Prix and in Monaco where he managed to nurse an engine issue for the majority of the race.
The Australian replaced his fellow countryman Mark Webber for the 2014 season and won three teams in his first year at the senior team after making the step up from Scuderia Toro Rosso.
He followed that up with one win in 2016 and 2017 as he enhanced his reputation as one of the best over takers in the sport.
Team principal Christian Horner respects the decision Ricciardo has made and states the team will take it’s time to evaluate their options before deciding who will partner Max Verstappen next season at Red Bull.
“We fully respect Daniel’s decision to leave Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and we wish him all the best in his future.
“We would like to thank him for his dedication and the role he has played since joining the Team in 2014, the highlights of course being the seven wins and the 29 podiums he has achieved so far with us.
“We will now continue to evaluate the numerous options available to us before deciding on which driver partners Max Verstappen for the 2019 season.
“In the meantime, there are still nine races left in 2018 and we are fully focused on maximising every opportunity for Max and Daniel for the remainder of the season.”
