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Daniel Ricciardo will reportedly take home an estimated $35 million per year as part of his new deal with Renault. On Friday, the shock announcement was made that Ricciardo would be leaving Red Bull before confirmation soon arrived that he would be joining Renault.
Ricciardo has spent five years with Red Bull, and has been part of its driver programme since 2008. However, next year he will leave it all behind when he leaves for Enstone to partner Nico Hulkenberg at the resurging Renault squad.
The 29-year-old was heavily expected to stay on with the energy drink team, with an agreement reportedly being struck between the seven-time Grand Prix winner and Red Bull owner Dieter Mateschitz before the Austrian Grand Prix.
Ricciardo's new deal puts him in the top roster of F1's highest paid drivers, joining the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso. Speaking of his new arrangement after the announcement, Ricciardo said it was a very difficult decision.
"It was probably one of the most difficult decisions to take in my career so far, but I thought that it was time for me to take on a fresh and new challenge,” admitted Ricciardo.
"I realise that there is a lot ahead in order to allow Renault to reach their target of competing at the highest level but I have been impressed by their progression in only two years.” I know that 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.
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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F1_IS_Dead
Posts: 123
Here is how I see it.
Riccardo knew that after two more years of beating alongside Verstappen, his career would be over. He wanted out and made a ridiculous offer to Red Bull, knowing that they will never pay it. He then played both teams against each other and took what Renault offered him.
$35... [Read more]