Confirmed: Carlos Sainz Jr. joins Renault Sport F1 Team for 2018 season on a year deal

It was confirmed on yesterday, before the start of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend (15/9/17), that Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz, Jr. will race with Renault Sport F1 Team as their second driver for 2018 season on a one year deal, alongside Nico Hülkenberg, completing the manufacturer's driver line-up.



Sainz, Jr. made his Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2015. Despite signed to Toro Rosso till the end of 2018. However, an agreement has now been reached, which will see Sainz, Jr. compete for Renault in 2018, as part of a loan arrangement with Red Bull.

The move brings to an end to Jolyon Palmer's time at Renault as Sainz, Jr. replaces Palmer in Renault's line-up for next season.



In my opinion, this is not a big surprise this news happen. It has been strongly rumoured since the Italian Grand Prix that Sainz, Jr. has signed a deal with Renault. My guess Red Bull wanted Sainz, Jr. to be a competitive car after Toro Rosso signed a deal with Honda next season and because its a loan deal from Red Bull he could drive for Red Bull in 2019 if Daniel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen leaves the team.

Its great news for the Renault team as they have got a talented Grand Prix driver.

Things are looking up for the Renault team in 2018.