Stories of 2018: Ricciardo makes shock move to Renault

Just as the summer break kicked in, Daniel Ricciardo kick-started the summer signings! Everyone, including those at Red Bull, expected the Australian to re-sign, but nope. Ricciardo announced he was moving to Renault, which in turn sparked a major reshuffle ahead of the 2019 season. See one of the biggest stories of 2018, down below!

Daniel Ricciardo has made a shock signing for Renault. Helmut Marko has confirmed the deal is set in concrete after a phone call yesterday. Throughout the weeks leading up to the summer break, Ricciardo has claimed it is looking more and more likely he is to sign for Red Bull. That has now been reversed. 

Starting in 2019, the 29-year-old will race alongside Nico Hulkenberg at Renault. Talking to motorsport magazine, Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko said: "He called me on Thursday and told me his decision."

"Daniel has almost his entire motorsport career at Red Bull, he wanted a change," Marko suggested.

SportsMail reported this morning that Ricciardo could be about to break Red Bull hearts and move away due to a contract dispute. Max Verstappen was given a major improvement on his deal last season, and it's possible Ricciardo hasn't received the same.

Red Bull now have a cockpit to fill for 2019. As well as that, people will be wondering what happens to Carlos Sainz. When asked, Marko revealed the team may consider promoting Gasly from Toro Rosso.

"We'll think about that in peace. One way would be to promote Pierre Gasly. The young Frenchman shows strong performances in his rookie season with Toro Rosso," Marko continued.

With Carlos Sainz still under contract at Red Bull, it's possible they could call up Sainz in a straight swap. This summer break has taken a shocking turn!

As it turned out, Pierre Gasly will move into the Red Bull seat after an impressive opening season. Sainz didn't get the Red Bull deal. Reports suggested at the time how Verstappen didn't want Sainz in his garage. The Spaniard moves to McLaren in 2019.