Ricciardo deal with McLaren reportedly agreed!

Daniel Ricciardo will enjoy another change of scenery in 2001, the Aussie leaving Renault to join forces with McLaren according to well-informed Italian blogger Leo Turrini.

Sebastian Vettel's exit from Ferrari which was announced on Tuesday, followed by reports of an impending announcement confirming Carlos Sainz's transfer to the Scuderia has sparked speculation about who will fill the free seats at McLaren and Renault.

Turrini - a usually reputable source for inside news - believes that Ferrari's choice may not warm the hearts of the Tifosi who would prefer to see Ricciardo racing in red next season.

• Wolff: Mercedes must take Vettel news 'into consideration'

However, according to the Italian reporter, the Honey Badger - whose lucrative two-year deal with Renault expires at the end of 2020 - may have already committed to replacing Sainz at McLaren and race alongside Lando Norris next season.

"Sainz is a solid driver," Turrini told Radio 24 as he commented on the whirlwind of potential changes.

"But it must also be said that in several years he has achieved just one podium, even if he has never had great means available to him. It is not the name that warms the heart.

"Ricciardo? It seems he has already signed with McLaren."

Turrini's speculation echoes the projections expressed by Sky F1's Martin Brundle, with the former F1 driver also casting a guess on who could replace Danny Ric at Renault.

"I’ll take a punt on this" Brundle wrote on Twitter.

“Sainz to Ferrari. Ricciardo to McLaren. Vettel or Alonso to Renault. I’ll miss Seb if he retires, quality guy, quality driver. A champion and an adult."

Brundle also speculated on the potential reasons that led Vettel and Ferrari to part ways.

"Seb definitely talking with at least one other team so this can’t be just about retirement," he said.

"The release makes it clear it’s not about money. It obviously can’t be about this season’s performance. So must be about status and controls generated from the bruising incidents of 2019."

Pundits predictions notwithstanding, and if Vettel hasn't opted for a plush retirement at the end of the year, the German must also be considered as a serious contender for a seat at McLaren- Mercedes for 2021. Don't write him off just yet...

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