Formula One: Carlos Sainz Joins Ferrari As Daniel Ricciardo Swap To McLaren

Ferrari has finally replaced Sebastian Vettel with former McLaren driver Carlos Sainz as Daniel Ricciardo left Renault in a swap to replace Sainz at McLaren. 

Sebastian and Ferrari parted ways after a breakdown of talks for a contract extension on Tuesday, leading to the German driver's exit at the end of the 2020 season. After a meeting with Sainz, the Italian racing team signed him to a two-year contract on Thursday. 

"I am very happy that I will be driving for Scuderia Ferrari in 2021 and I'm excited about my future with the team," said Spaniard. 

Sainz joined McLaren as the replacement for Fernando Alonso who retired at the end 2018 season. After completing two seasons with the British racing team, he will team up with Charles Leclerc as the supporting driver for Ferrari in the 2021 season. 

Carlos Sainz started his racing career with Karting in Madrid 

He added, "I still have an important year ahead with McLaren Racing and I'm really looking forward to going racing again with them this season"

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto said it is time for the team to set out for a new cycle with Sainz who has proven to be "very talented" and aim at winning the championship title once again.

"Carlos has proved to be very talented and has shown that he has the technical ability and the right attributes to make an ideal fit with our family," said Binotto. "We've embarked on a new cycle with the aim of getting back to the top in Formula 1. It will be a long journey, not without difficulties."

McLaren also welcomed their new driver Ricciardo who they signed to a "multi-year" contract from Renault and the team boss Zak Brown described the signing of the Australian as "another step forward" in their "long-term plan" for the team alongside Lando Norris.