Bold Ricciardo joins Renault Sport F1 for the 2019 season!

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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."

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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."

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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.