Daniel Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull and join Renault F1 was rooted in many factors, one of which was likely the sizeable salary increase the Aussie will enjoy from next year.
The uncertainty surrounding Red Bull’s performance in 2019 following its switch to Honda power and perhaps the feeling of living in the shadow of his team mate Max Verstappen, compelled Ricciardo to at least consider an offer from Renault.
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According to Renault’s Cyril Abiteboul, negotiations between the driver and the French team had been ongoing for some time, but Ricciardo’s hefty salary demands required a big stamp of approval from Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn.
The green light was finally given on Thursday, and reports from the Daily Express claim that Ricciardo’s pay grade will reach the $35 million level in 2019.
That’s rumored to be at least three times his current annual Red Bull Racing salary!
The number likely also puts Ricciardo among Formula 1’s top three earners, with Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel still sitting at the top of the pyramid in terms of driver salaries.
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