Daniel Ricciardo has described the decision to leave Red Bull for Renault next season as one of the most difficult choices in his career. Renault confirmed on Friday that the Australian would be taking up a seat at the team alongside Nico Hulkenberg for 2019.
Ricciardo spent five and a half years at Red Bull, climbing to the top step of the podium seven times. However, the 29-year-old now wants a new challenge and admits that he has been impressed by the rate of development that Renault has achieved since it returned in 2016.
"It was probably one of the most difficult decisions to take in my career so far," he said. "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."
Renault's managing director Cyril Abiteboul expressed his delight in signing Ricciardo's, and now aims to deliver him the best possible car for next season: "Daniel’s signing underscores our determination to accelerate our progress towards the forefront of the sport.
"It is also a recognition of the work accomplished over the past two and a half seasons. Daniel’s undoubted talent and charisma are a huge bonus and statement for the team. We will have to repay his faith in us by delivering the best car possible. We welcome him to our growing team in 2019 with a great deal of pride, but also humility.”
Can't see Sainz getting the Redbull seat. Can see Renault improving but not to the Redbull level within the foreseeable future.
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Some how i'm not sure this will end all glory and happy days.
And also something tells me Saintz is not all that unhappy with his most likely return to RB.
Artebouil is not a leader that is the worth the money.