Formula 1: Daniel Ricciardo to drive for McLaren in 2021

Daniel Ricciardo is set to leave Renault and drive for McLaren as the replacement for Carlos Sainz Jr. beginning in the 2021 Formula 1 season.

The announcement of the impending departure of Sebastian Vettel from Ferrari was just the first piece of the massive puzzle that is the 2021 Formula 1 Silly Season.

But now that that particular puzzle piece, effectively the first big one, is in place, the others have quickly begun to fill in as well.

While Vettel’s replacement has not been officially announced, it is all but set in stone that Carlos Sainz Jr. is slated to leave McLaren following the 2020 season to join Charles Leclerc at the Scuderia.

More from Formula One

• Formula 1: Top Red Bull threat identified for 2024
• Formula 1: Why the Max Verstappen retirement obsession?
• Formula 1: Williams ‘mistake’ hints Logan Sargeant’s future
• Formula 1 awaiting key confirmation for 2024 season
• Formula 1: The ‘championship’ Max Verstappen only leads by 3 points

Although Ferrari have not confirmed this move, McLaren have now confirmed that the 25-year-old Spaniard is set to leave the team at the end of the season, and they have confirmed his replacement.

Daniel Ricciardo, who is in the second year of the two-year deal he shockingly signed with Renault back in August of 2018 upon announcing his departure from Red Bull Racing, has been confirmed as Sainz’s replacement alongside Lando Norris beginning next year. He is reportedly slated to join McLaren on a “multi-year” deal.

The Woking-based team showed interest in the 30-year-old Australian back in 2018 when he was making his decision about where to compete in 2019, and the two sides reportedly came “pretty close” to striking a deal that would have put him in orange and blue beginning last year.

Ricciardo had been rumored as one of the most likely candidates to replace Vettel, but when Sainz emerged as the frontrunner, all signs pointed to Ricciardo ending up at McLaren.

Here is what the seven-time Grand Prix winner had to say about moving to McLaren.

Here is what McLaren CEO Zak Brown has to add, according to Formula 1.

"“Signing Daniel is another step forward in our long-term plan and will bring an exciting new dimension to the team, alongside Lando. 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.”"

Finally, here is what McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl had to add.

"“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.”"

Ricciardo placed ninth in the driver standings in his first year with Renault and secured a top finish of fourth in the Italian Grand Prix following a five-year stint with Red Bull Racing that saw him win seven races, record 23 podium finishes, take three pole positions and finish as high as third in the standings.

With this deal confirmed for next season, expect confirmation of Carlos Sainz Jr. to Ferrari to be made in the very near future, likely later today. It is unknown who will replace Daniel Ricciardo alongside Esteban Ocon at Renault next year.