Carlos Sainz will be racing in yellow next season, with the 23-year-old confirmed as a Renault driver for 2018.
The Spaniard grew up in the Red Bull pen of young talent but aspired to take a step up in his career which he believed was stagnating at Toro Rosso.
Sainz's opportunity to move on has come about has a result of the complicated negotiations surrounding Renault's engine deal with McLaren and the premature end of its agreement with Toro Rosso.
"I’m very happy to be joining Renault Sport Formula One Team," says Sainz.
"To be a Formula 1 driver for a manufacturer team is an honour and I hope to reward Renault’s faith in me with my very best performances on track.
"The trajectory of Renault Sport Formula One Team is exciting and I’m proud to join at such an important time in their history.
"I am looking forward to working with everyone at Enstone and Viry, and driving alongside Nico Hülkenberg. I have worked closely with Renault in Formula 1 and previously in motorsport, so I know their motivation and capabilities.
"This is the start of a very exciting new chapter in my career. I would like to say thank you to Red Bull for all their confidence and support and for allowing me to take this opportunity.
"Last but not least, I specially want to thank all the people that work in Toro Rosso. They are a fantastic team of professionals and I wish them the best for the future."
Sainz on loan to Renault for 2018
While Sainz will be racing in yellow next season, his move to Renault was agreed under the condition that Red Bull can call him back, if required, at the end of the 2018 season.
There has been no mention however on whether Sainz could join Renault this year, as rumored.
"We are happy to have reached an agreement for Carlos to drive for Renault Sport Formula One Team in 2018," said Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko.
"He is a tremendous talent and he will benefit from working with a manufacturer team alongside a highly experienced driver.
"This will give Carlos a different challenge and we will be keenly watching his progress there as he remains part of the Red Bull family.
"This is very good development for both Carlos and Renault Sport Formula One Team and will also allow us to bring a new talent into Formula One."
Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul is happy to welcome Sainz on-board alongsode Nico Hulkenberg.
"Carlos Sainz is a very promising driver who has been on our radar for some time, especially after his successes in Renault junior formulae.
"It is positive news for us to be able to confirm Carlos for 2018. This choice is well aligned with our mid-term strategic plans.
"We feel that Nico and Carlos will complement each other on and off track and the combination should help us push forwards on the grid.
"I would like to thank Helmut Marko for loaning Carlos to us for this period. We must thank Jolyon for his ongoing hard work with the team and his efforts over the past two seasons.
"He is a dedicated driver and we wish him the best in the next steps of his career."
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