So Daniel Ricciardo has announced that he’ll be leaving Red Bull Racing at the end of the season to jump ship to Renault Sport F1, which is to everyone’s surprise. Although I personally predicted that he was going to stay at Red Bull Racing to partner up with Honda next season, I’m not all to surprised he’s leaving for Renault Sport F1. This driver transfer will also raise a few questions has to who’s going to fill his seat at Red Bull Racing.
Who do you think is the best fit for Red Bull, Carlos Sainz Jr or Pierre Gasly? Let me know in the comments section below.
Pro’s:
- This is a manufacturer teams, whilst he is sacrificing the opportunity of knowing that he’ll be in a car with a good chassis for the next few seasons, Renault in theory, should be able to have more resources, attract high profile staff members and be first come first serve in the engine department compared to being a customer team.
- Well, whether or not Renault Sport F1 are going to build the team around him, he’s definitely not at a team that’s rumoured to be building it’s car around his team mate, Max Verstappen. This could work in his favours, being a few years younger than Nico Hulkenburg and being a proven race winner.
- Let’s look back at Lewis Hamilton’s move to Mercedes, many at the time questioned it, and to be honest, Red Bull look like they’re in exactly same situation as McLaren where back in 2012, this could work out the same way for Daniel Ricciardo.
Con’s
- Honda, whilst this is still a bit of an unknown quantity, Honda have definitely made some good progress. Could Red Bull & Honda be a good combination and finally help Red Bull push forward towards Ferarri and Mercedes.
- Daniel Ricciardo is leaving what will definitely be a good chassis, something that Red Bull have been renowned for over the last few years, could this be a mistake? Will Renault ever be able to compete at the same level as Red Bull in that department?
- What will happen in 2021 when the rules change? Could this leave Renault behind? He has only signed a two year contract and if Renault aren’t in the position he wants them to be (competing for the title), will he be able to find a seat elsewhere?
Overall, I understand why he’s left Red Bull, but only time will tell whether this change will pay off. One thing to also consider is McLaren, I personally think that this wouldn’t have benefited him at all, but with Alonso leaving, the only real strength McLaren would be able to offer him is building the team around him.
What would you have done in Daniel Ricciardo’s shoes? Would you stay or move? Did you ever think an opportunity to go to Mercedes or Ferrari was ever on the cards? Who would you like to see replace him? I’d like to know your thoughts in the comments below.
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