Outgoing Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo has said that he is “sad” to be ending his stint with the team. Especially since he has had a long-standing relationship with the Austrian team. However, he insisted that the timing was right to make a change.

Ricciardo has been associated with Red Bull since 2008. He won titles in Formula Renault 2.0 and British F3 before the energy drinks giant roped him. The Australian made his grand prix racing debut in 2011.

He spent part of the season with the now defunct HRT before it led to a full-time F1 graduation with Toro Rosso. When compatriot Mark Webber retired, he was then brought in to Red Bull’s main team. Since then, he has gone on to win seven races for the squad.

Many expected him to remain with Red Bull past this season. However, he shocked the F1 paddock by opting to join Renault at the end of his current deal.

He said, “By far the toughest decision I’ve made in my racing career – but 29 years living on this Earth, it was actually one of the toughest live decisions I’ve made.

“Sad to move on, absolutely. Excited for the challenge at Renault, but it’s been a 10-year journey in Red Bull.

“I was on the junior programe in 2008, some amazing memories from there, things that I’ll always be grateful for and I’ll never forget that ride.

“Personally I felt it was a time now where it was good for me to move on and have a fresh start somewhere else, I think it will be healthy for me.”

So far in 2018, Ricciardo has claimed wins at the Chinese and Monaco Grands Prix. He also sits fifth in the drivers’ standings, 95 points behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

The 29-year old will contest the remaining nine races with Red Bull before joining Renault in the off-season.