McLaren is the only viable option for Ricciardo after Renault’s exit

Ricciardo called it quit at Renault before turning a wheel in anger this year

The awkward exit of Ricciardo looks ambiguous as Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul says Daniel Ricciardo will still play a vital role in the team’s development despite his decision of leaving at the end of 2020.

But reports suggest that this year will be the last year for Ricciardo with Renault and the races at Mugello and Portimao will be his last under Renault capping.

Leaving Renault the only viable option for Ricciardo will be McLaren. Keeping that in mind McLaren has plenty to cheer about in 2021. They’re getting a superstar driver in Daniel Ricciardo but more importantly, a change in engines. With Mercedes set to power McLaren in 2021, the Woking outfit is well on its way to being a top team, yet again.

McLaren’s Carlos Sainz is moving to Ferrari for 2021, and Ricciardo will replace the Spaniard.

That means Ricciardo, Sainz and Vettel all head into the new season knowing they will not be staying with their current teams beyond the end of the year.

Ricciardo said: “Time has passed since the news now. I have spoken to if not seen some members of the team.

“Hopefully we get a bundle of races and get a chance to finish this out strong.

“We’ll just get on with it. I have spent a couple of days in the simulator and seen a few people around the factory and no black eyes or punches in the stomach so I think we’re all moving on and will give it our all for the rest of the year.”