PGas32

As the title states, Red Bull has confirmed that Daniel is leaving at the end of the 2018 season with reports stating that he's moving to Renault. I don't think any of the silly season commentators saw this one coming - definitely a risky move by DR. What does this mean for the rest of the grid?


https://www.news.com.au/sport/motors...62e4672e818c29

LuigiVampa

I guess RB thought Ricci was a loyal dog and would stay while they put all their efforts to Max. Ricci is one of the best passers out there and he has consistently outscored "checker or wrecker" Max.

Could this be similar to when Hammy went to Mercedes and everyone thought he was crazy?

DTMiller

Renault confirmed: https://www.renaultsport.com/daniel-...?r=331&lang=en

PGas32

Could be...he'll be with a full factory team now, but it certainly didn't seem like Red Bull ever lacked the financial wherewithal to field a competitive car. I'm going to guess this means that Sainz gets the RB seat, since he was on loan from them anyhow.

DTMiller

Or Gasly?

ProCoach

LuigiVampa

Hulkenberg seems like a good levelheaded guy so hopefully they will make good teammates. I'm still looking for Hulk to get on the podium! He has been getting closer this year - consistently in the top ten.

Veloce Raptor

First world problems

Scooby921

Good for Daniel. Honda is still an unknown for power and reliability. RedBull making that switch next year isn't a guarantee that they'll remain competitive. Daniel has aligned himself with factory support, as a defined #1 driver, and with an engine that, overall, has proven to be more powerful and more reliable than the Honda. Maybe he'll end up like Fernando was with Ferrari, dragging a less competitive car to the front of the grid through talent, will, and determination.

multi21

My993C2

Hulkenberg is not only a good guy but he is also a good driver. He's just never been given the car to compete for wins.
I hope Renault can up their game because I would like to see Danny Ric and Hulkenberg at or near the front.

HRE_Jurrian

Agreed, I've always thought Hulkenberg was a great driver too. Should make for an interesting season next year. Wishing Danny the best of luck with Renault!

StoogeMoe

So this means that Ocon is not going to Renault? The article didn't say anything about Hulkenburg staying. Or is Ocon staying with Force Stroll?

I would guess that Gasly would go to Red Bull. Another very fast youngster to pair up with Verstappen.

The musical chairs (seats) has started. Who will be left standing when the music stops?

PGas32

Hulkenburg was later confirmed at Renault for 2019, so you're right in that Ocon will be elsewhere. Gasly to RB makes sense too, but I'm not sure who they have in their junior ranks to take his spot. Bodes well for Hartley too, as he had to have been worried about his seat (and might still be).

LuigiVampa

One of Hulkenberg's biggest problem (no pun intended) is weighing about 10 pounds more than anyone else on the grid. He was being rumored at Ferrari a year or so ago, with the perenial "Kimi is going to retire" talk, but it never happened. Would love to see him in a competitive car!

With Ricci and the Hulk at Renault they will be a team I root for in 2019.