Full reaction to two huge announcements in the Formula One world as Daniel Ricciardo confirmed his move to McLaren, freeing up Carlos Sainz to complete his move to Ferrari next season.
Although widely rumoured since Sebastian Vettel confirmed his Ferrari exit on Tuesday, both announcements came within rapid succession early this morning to send shockwaves through the F1 world.
We will therefore round up the best of the reaction as Racing Point once again reacted swiftly to book their front row seat as McLaren and Ferrari finalised their 2021 driver line-ups, albeit likely in need of a popcorn sponsor if there are more shock driver moves.
*opens twitter*
*sees @McLarenF1 news*
*abandons content plans for the day*
*grabs popcorn*
— BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) May 14, 2020
McLaren set the ball rolling with confirmation of Daniel Ricciardo’s arrival to partner Lando Norris next season, in a move which left Renault publicly fuming in their first tweet following the announcement.
Renault DP World F1 Team and Daniel Ricciardo will not continue collaboration beyond 2020
Within the unprecedented context of the 2020 season, discussions held with Daniel Ricciardo concerning a renewal of his contract beyond the end of 2020 have not been successful.#RSspirit pic.twitter.com/dO7G6YW4Sm
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) May 14, 2020
Team Principal, Cyril Abiteboul then released a short statement revealing his thoughts, saying; “In our sport, and particularly within the current extraordinary situation, reciprocated confidence, unity and commitment are, more than ever, critical values for a works team.
Abiteboul however revealed that he is “… confident that the 2020 season will allow us to accomplish even more together. Our ambitions and the strategy of Renault DP World F1 Team remain unchanged.”
Ferrari then proceeded to rub salt in Renault’s wounds by swiftly announcing the capture of the very man who Ricciardo is replacing at McLaren, as they confirmed Carlos Sainz would replace Sebastian Vettel next season on a two-season contract.
Sainz’s news soon triggered a massive outpouring of celebrations and praise across social media, with McLaren Head of Strategy – Randy Singh and Social Media boss, Helen Crossley amongst those to send their congratulations.
Sad to see you go, @Carlossainz55 but you deserve this move – well done and I look forwards to see you go on and win many races and more. There have been some very good times and will be more this year – here’s a shot as we waited to see if it was a podium or not. #F1 pic.twitter.com/FFPoG2Z1E1
— Randy (@randysingh86) May 14, 2020
So happy for @Carlossainz55. What a move! 👏🏼 https://t.co/xJM8aRqez6
— Helen Crossley (@helencrossley) May 14, 2020
McLaren teammate, Norris meanwhile took time out of sim racing to toast Sainz’s move in the following tweet.
¡Adiós amigo! It’s only been a year, but it’s been a pleasure @Carlossainz55. We’ve had some good laughs and made a few memories. Give it your all mate and let’s give this year the send off it deserves. pic.twitter.com/Vnyrpdw0WG
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) May 14, 2020
Sainz’s former Formula Renault 3.5 team, DAMS paid tribute to their 2014 champion with this congratulatory tweet.
Congratulations to our 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 champion @Carlossainz55, a @ScuderiaFerrari #F1 driver in 2021! The first DAMS driver to adorn the famous scarlet red!
📸 Dutch Photo Agency#RoadToF1 #AllezLesBleus pic.twitter.com/FkrgihCSa1
— DAMS (@damsracing) May 14, 2020
Sky Sports F1 commentator, David Croft ultimately summed up a frantic 30 minutes of drama in this tweet.
3 Press Releases in 30 mins and the Merry-go-round is confirmed. McLaren thank Carlos & wish him well whilst welcoming Daniel to replace him. Renault decide not to wish Daniel well for the future whilst Ferrari welcome Carlos for 2021/22 as an ideal fit for them
— David Croft (@CroftyF1) May 14, 2020
Mercedes on the other hand decided to join Racing Point and crack open the popcorn and enjoy the reaction to Ricciardo and Sainz’s moves.
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) May 14, 2020
Williams meanwhile gate-crashed the reaction party in a fairly confused state to say the least judging by their tweet.
Been busy the last hour or so…did we miss anything? pic.twitter.com/9w826hRULV
— ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) May 14, 2020
F1 broadcaster, Jennie Gow instead took a diplomatic view in that she expects Ferrari and McLaren to be two ‘fierce teams’ next season.
So, How will this all play out?? Sainz and Leclerc and Norris and Ricciardo – that’s some pretty fierce teams. #F1 2021 looks awesome. @bbcf1
— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) May 14, 2020
Finally, Autosport’s Luke Smith offered up the first punt on Ricciardo’s Renault replacement in Chris Froome (let hope he is genuinely joking).
Bet he’s joining Renault 👀 https://t.co/BvF2Leh3pU
— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) May 14, 2020
Now, we would to hear your view on which driver move has you the most excited about and you can have your say in our poll below.
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