Ricciardo confirms to join McLaren from 2021 season

Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo confirmed he would join McLaren from the 2021 season.

According to a press release from the Australian Grand Prix on Thursday, the 30-year-old Aussie will have a multi-year agreement with McLaren after two years at the French manufacturer Renault.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott said it is brilliant to see Ricciardo join a team with a longstanding tradition of success at the Albert Park.

"McLaren has a rich history at the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, with David Coulthard and Jenson Button twice winning here in a McLaren, as well as Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton once each, so we're excited to see what's in store for Daniel next year," said Westacott in the press release.

He said McLaren had a cavalcade of stars winning world championships and hopefully Riccardo is on the right path to achieve his dream in a McLaren.

The announcement also ignited the Formula One driver market for 2021, with many drivers out of contract at the end of 2020.

According to the press release, CEO of McLaren Racing Zac Brown said signing Riccardo was another step forward in the team's long-term plan and would bring it an exciting new dimension. This is good news for the team, its partners and fans.

McLaren has won 12 drivers' and eight constructors' titles in Formula One. In 2021 the team will still switch to Mercedes Benz engines despite Formula One's decision to delay the power unit rule changes until 2022.