Ricciardo signing provides McLaren with "a new reference"

Andreas Seidl is confident the McLaren Formula 1 team will benefit from the arrival of Daniel Ricciardo.

McLaren caused a stir in May when it was announced Carlos Sainz would be leaving at the end of this season to join Ferrari, but with the team filling the void by poaching Ricciardo from Renault.

The 30-year-old Australian, who has signed a multi-year contract, has conceded his decision was not an easy one, particularly as no team has shown its hand this year given the lack of racing.

Seidl, though, has no doubt that in signing up a seven-time grand prix winner, McLaren has made the right call.

"With the outcome, in the end, I'm very happy because it is clear that with getting Daniel on board we have a new reference, a reference also for Lando [Norris]," McLaren team principal Seidl told the SkyF1 Show.

"A seven-time race winner is something we were missing, so I'm very happy with Daniel getting on board.

"At the same time, Carlos did a great job last year, and I would have been happy as well to have continued with him.

"But as we've said, after the decision was made public, we've always had open and transparent communication about the topic.

"Carlos wanted to explore this opportunity, and in the end, I think all parties involved are happy."

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