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(Motorsport-Total.com) – What ‘Motorsport-Total.com’ already reported tonight is now official: Daniel Ricciardo has signed a “multi-year” contract with McLaren and will leave Renault in 2021 for Woking. Sebastian Vettel at McLaren closes the door, because the racing team also confirms Lando Norris for another season.
© LAT
Daniel Ricciardo has signed a contract for several years. focus
“Daniel is a proven winner of the race, and his experience, dedication and energy will be a valuable addition to McLaren and our mission to return to the top of the field,” team principal Andreas Seidl said of his ambitious shared goals.
“With Daniel and Lando as teammates, I think we have two racing drivers who will continue to inspire our fans and help the team grow,” said the German.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown is also coming down the same line: “Daniel’s signing is another step forward in our long-term plan and will bring an exciting new addition to the team alongside Lando,” said the American. “This is good news for our team, our partners and, of course, our fans.”
Notable disappointment at Renault
For Ricciardo, McLaren is already the fifth team in Formula 1 after HRT, Toro Rosso, Red Bull and Renault. The Australian went to Renault for a new challenge in 2019, but after just one disappointing season, it is clear that he will be out of the team. Enstone will be leaving again. Legally, Renault is officially told that its contract renewal has failed.
Therefore, a small disappointment resonates in the statements of team leader Cyril Abiteboul: “In our sport, mutual trust, unity and commitment are crucial values for a factory team. In the extraordinary situation we find ourselves in , this applies more than ever. ” , he emphasizes, without specifically entering Ricciardo.
Photo Gallery: The Sonnyboy of Perth: Daniel Ricciardo’s career in pictures
“I am confident that together we will achieve even more in the 2020 season. Our goals and the Renault team’s strategy do not change,” Abiteboul continued. A word of thanks to the Australian is missing, something unusual in a farewell announcement.
Ricciardo himself expresses it: “I am very grateful for my time at Renault and for the way I was accepted into the team,” he says and, despite the upcoming change, he still wants to give everything for his team when the season arrives. Once it starts.
“We are not done yet, and I can’t wait to get back on the grid this year. My next chapter hasn’t started yet. So let’s finish this one. Merci,” he writes on Twitter.
Goodbye to Sainz
Ricciardo’s change also means the dismissal of Carlos Sainz at McLaren, who will soon be introduced as the official Ferrari driver.
Photo gallery: “Smooth Operator”: Carlos Sainz’s career
At Woking, Sainz’s parting remarks sound more cordial: “I would like to express my thanks to Carlos for the excellent work he has done to support McLaren in supporting our plan to restore performance,” Brown said. “He is a true team player and we wish him all the best for his future beyond McLaren.”
Team principal Seidl also has to agree: “Carlos is a true professional, it is a pleasure working with him and we will be happy to compete with him again this year. We all wish him the best of luck for the next stage. of his career, when he leaves McLaren. “
