McLaren confirms Ricciardo for 2021!

©Renault

McLaren Racing has announced that it has agreed a multi-year deal with Daniel Ricciardo to race for the team from 2021.

Ricciardo, who left Red Bull Racing at the end of 2018 to move to Renault, will thus conclude his two-year stint with the French outfit.

The 30-year-old had come close to signing with McLaren for 2019 but had opted instead for the lucrative deal provided by Renault.

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"Signing Daniel is another step forward in our long-term plan and will bring an exciting new dimension to the team, alongside Lando," said McLaren CEO Zak Brown

"This is good news for our team, partners and of course our fans.

"I also want to pay tribute to Carlos for the excellent job he has been doing for McLaren in helping our performance recovery plan. He is a real team player and we wish him well for his future beyond McLaren."

All signs point to Sainz heading to Ferrari, with an announcement likely imminent.

Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren F1, commented:

"Daniel is a proven race-winner and his experience, commitment and energy will be a valuable addition to McLaren and our mission to return to the front of the field.

"With Daniel and Lando as teammates, I believe we have two racers who will continue to excite our fans and help the team grow.

"Carlos is a true professional, a pleasure to work with and we will continue to enjoy going racing with him this year.

"We all wish him good luck for the next stage in his career when he leaves McLaren."

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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.