Ricciardo to leave Red Bull for Renault

Australian Daniel Ricciardo will end his long relationship with Red Bull and join Renault on a two-year deal next season in a surprise announcement that jolted Formula One ahead of its August shutdown. The move, just when it looked a done deal that the 29-year-old would be staying put, is likely to trigger other moves around the paddock. "It was probably one of the most difficult decisions to take in my career so far," said Ricciardo in a Renault statement. "But I thought that it was time for me to take on a fresh and new challenge. "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," he added. "And I know that each time Renault has been in the sport they eventually won." Red Bull had earlier set the ball rolling by announcing the Australian was leaving. The deal will take him through to the brink of a new era, with a wholesale revamp and new engine regulations set for 2021. Ricciardo had wanted a two-year deal to keep his options open and on a par with top drivers, including four-times world champions Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes and Ferrari's...