Daniel Ricciardo will move to McLaren for the 2021 Formula 1 season, in place of Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz Jr., the team has confirmed, bringing his Renault spell to an end.
Ricciardo, 30, has raced in Formula 1 since 2011 for HRT, Toro Rosso and most notably Red Bull, with whom he won seven grands prix.
Ricciardo opted to leave Red Bull to join Renault on a two-year deal but the French team failed to kick on in 2019, consigning Ricciardo to a low-key ninth in the standings.
The Australian had indicated that he was open to offers from elsewhere for 2021 and he has now signed to switch to McLaren, with whom he previously held talks mid-2018.
McLaren made gains through 2019 to finish a solid fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, taking its first podium in five years courtesy of Sainz Jr., and will move to Mercedes power from 2021.
Ricciardo, who has signed a multi-year agreement, will partner Lando Norris, whose 2021 deal was also announced on Thursday morning.
“Daniel is a proven race-winner and his experience, commitment and energy will be a valuable addition to McLaren and our mission to return to the front of the field,” said McLaren Team Principal Andreas Seidl.
“With Daniel and Lando as team-mates, I believe we have two racers who will continue to excite our fans and help the team grow.
“Carlos is a true professional, a pleasure to work with and we will continue to enjoy going racing with him this year. We all wish him good luck for the next stage in his career when he leaves McLaren.”
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