Renault has confirmed they will switch from supplying engines to Toro Rosso and power McLaren from 2018, as well as the arrival of Red Bull junior Carlos Sainz next season on what appears to be a season-long loan.
The news was widely known following reports of deals being done in the last week, however, between practice sessions at the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday, the various moves and changes have been made official.
First came the agreement of a deal brokered with the help of Formula 1’s new leadership that sees McLaren end their troubled partnership with Honda after three years, and begin what is claimed to be a wide-ranging collaboration with Renault from 2018.
“Today’s announcement gives us the stability we need to move ahead with our chassis and technical programme for 2018 without any further hesitation,” McLaren Executive Director Zak Brown claimed.
“As an organisation, McLaren has always worked extremely hard to form lasting partnerships with its technical suppliers and we’re convinced that we can bring real value to Renault Sport Racing as we work alongside it to develop this current power unit into a regular race winner.”
“This is a strategic decision for Renault Sport Racing,” President of Renault’s motorsport division Jerome Stoll added. “It is the first time that Renault will work with McLaren and we are proud to have reached an agreement with an organisation that has such a rich Formula 1 history.
“This alliance is not only technical and sporting but also comes with marketing and communication benefits. We know that McLaren will push us hard on track and this competition will be to the benefit of all.”
The broadness of the partnership Renault and McLaren will develop may also tie in with claims the French manufacturer will not renew their engine supply with Red Bull after next season.
Team Principal Christian Horner would then hint at potentially the arrival of Aston Martin, claiming to Sky Sports there was an announcement coming in regards to a “relationship with a car firm” with the luxury British brand a partner with the team.
That was later proceeded by the confirmation of an agreement that will see Sainz move from Toro Rosso to Renault for next year, although the Spaniard will remain part of the Red Bull program.
For the Enstone team, the arrival of the 22-year-old is a major scoop, after having an initial approach turned down last year and is also beneficial for Sainz who has grown increasingly impatient at the junior team.
“Carlos Sainz is a very promising driver who has been on our radar for some time, especially after his successes in Renault junior formulae,” Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul said. “It is positive news for us to be able to confirm Carlos for 2018.
“This choice is well aligned with our mid-term strategic plans. We feel that Nico and Carlos will complement each other on and off track and the combination should help us push forwards on the grid. I would like to thank Helmut Marko for loaning Carlos to us for this period.”
The news does also confirm the exit of Jolyon Palmer, who has struggled compared to teammate Hulkenberg although has also endured poor reliability.
“We must thank Jolyon for his ongoing hard work with the team and his efforts over the past two seasons,” Abiteboul added. “He is a dedicated driver and we wish him the best in the next steps of his career.”
For Sainz, however, it was clear he is thrilled by the opportunity that he has been given and is keen to make the most of the experience at a team looking to once again become a major player.
“I’m very happy to be joining Renault,” he said. “To be a Formula 1 driver for a manufacturer team is an honour and I hope to reward Renault’s faith in me with my very best performances on track.
“The trajectory of the team is exciting and I’m proud to join at such an important time in their history. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Enstone and Viry and driving alongside Nico Hülkenberg.
“I have worked closely with Renault in Formula 1 and previously in motorsport, so I know their motivation and capabilities. This is the start of a very exciting new chapter in my career. I would like to say thank you to Red Bull for all their confidence and support and for allowing me to take this opportunity.
“Last but not least, I especially want to thank all the people that work in Toro Rosso. They are a fantastic team of professionals and I wish them the best for the future.”
