CONFIRMED: Renault sign Ricciardo for 2019

Renault have confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will partner Nico Hulkenberg in their line-up for the 2019 season. The news has swiftly followed confirmation of Ricciardo's intention to leave Red Bull when his contract expires, reportedly over frustrations regarding Max Verstappen's standing in the team.

Renault have confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will partner Nico Hulkenberg in their line-up for the 2019 season. The news has swiftly followed confirmation of Ricciardo's intention to leave Red Bull when his contract expires, reportedly over frustrations regarding Max Verstappen's standing in the team.

Friday's news travelled fast, with Renault confirming Ricciardo's imminent arrival on a two-year deal just an hour after his departure from Red bull had been revealed.

Ricciardo reportedly met with Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz at the Austrian Grand Prix, but was not assured that he would be on an equal footing with Verstappen moving forward.

The Dutchman has previously revealed that he is seen as the "title project" inside Red Bull, with motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko placing him on a similar footing that Sebastian Vettel enjoyed in the team.

Vettel was generally favoured over Australian team-mate Mark Webber, who railed against his 'number-two driver' status. Ricciardo, it seems, is keen to avoid falling into a similar situation to his compatriot.

Having secured seven grand prix victories and 29 podium finishes since stepping up to Red Bull from Toro Rosso in 2014, Ricciardo has now set his sights on helping Renault achieve their aims of muscling into the fight for honours.

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul said: "Daniel's signing underscores our determination to accelerate our progress towards the forefront of the sport. 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."

Welcome to the family Brooo.. ????????
Looking forward to go hunting together next year! ???? @danielricciardo #F1 #RSspirit pic.twitter.com/4qs4QUZsg1 — Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) August 3, 2018

Ricciardo's switch is set to massively shake up the grid for 2019. Esteban Ocon had been widely expected to join Renault, but could now be at risk of losing his place in F1, if Force India are taken over by Lance Stroll's father, Lawrence.

Carlos Sainz Jr may end up at the senior Red Bull team, having raced on loan at Renault for much of the past 12 months, although McLaren are also keen on the Spaniard.