Daniel Ricciardo is joining Renault in 2019 and leaving Red Bull to Max Verstappen, so he can now crash all their cars unmolested by competition.
As Red Bull’s top driver, the 29-year-old Ricciardo currently sits in fifth place in the 2018 Formula One drivers’ championship with two wins [Chinese Grand Prix and Monaco Grand Prix] this season.
“It was probably one of the most difficult decisions to take in my career so far, but it was time for me to take on a fresh and new challenge,” said Ricciardo, who was reported to be miffed at Red Bull’s recent much higher contract to their second driver, Verstappen. “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.”
Ricciardo began his F1 career with Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso in 2012 before replacing Mark Webber in 2014 and has since won seven races and achieved 29 podium positions for Red Bull.
Ricciardo is expected to join Nico Hulkenberg at Renault and replace Carlos Sainz, Jr. who is possibly headed either to McLaren as a potentially equal driver with Stoffel Vandoorne or Red Bull as the second driver behind Verstappen.