F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Bold Ricciardo joins Renault Sport F1 for the 2019 season!

X (Twitter)X (Twitter)
FacebookFacebook
WhatsappWhatsapp

Renault Sport F1 has confirmed that seven-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo will join the French squad and race alongside Nico Hulkenberg for the next two F1 seasons.

Ricciardo's move was almost a foregone conclusion after the news of his departure from Red Bull Racing earlier in the day.

Speaking recently about his 2019 prospects, the Aussie admitted that his options were limited, but obviously they included a deal with the French manufacturer which has stated its ambitions of joining F1's trio of front running teams - Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.

"It was probably one of the most difficult decisions to take in my career so far," said Ricciardo in a statement on Friday.

"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."

Commenting on the Ricciardo's bold move and the prospects of his new recruit, Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul says it underlines a ramping up of the team's ambitions.

"Daniel’s signing underscores our determination to accelerate our progress towards the forefront of the sport," said Abiteboul.

"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."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

FIA U-turn: Stricter flexi-wing tests rolled out for 2025 season

The FIA has shifted its policy approach to flexible wings in Formula 1, moving from…

7 hours ago

Hamilton’s detailed adjustments with Ferrari in Barcelona

Details have emerged on Lewis Hamilton’s bedding in process with Ferrari after this week’s test…

8 hours ago

Russell embraces new chapter at Mercedes: ‘Ending my beginning’

George Russell believes he has reached “the end of the beginning” of his F1 career…

9 hours ago

Jo Bonnier: A true gentleman racer

Sweden's Jo Bonnier, who was born on this day in 1930, enjoyed a career in…

11 hours ago

Ickx returns to Bathurst, reunites with legendary 1977 winning car

Motorsport icon Jacky Ickx has returned to Bathurst ahead of this weekend’s Bathurst 12 Hour…

11 hours ago

Horner insists Verstappen had no role in Herbert FIA exit

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has made it clear that Max Verstappen played no…

12 hours ago