The Renault Sport Formula 1 Team have confirmed that Carlos Sainz will drive for the works team for 2018 after being released from his Red Bull contract.

The Spaniard will be loaned to the Enstone based team for 2018 following which he will return to Toro Rosso unless a new deal can be structured to keep him at Renault.

It’s widely believed that his move to Renault was part of the McLaren-Renault/Honda-Toro Rosso deal.

Sainz currently sits in 8th place on the drivers championship with 36 points with his best finish in 6th at the Monaco Grand Prix this year.

“I’m very happy to be joining Renault Sport Formula One Team. To be a Formula 1 driver for a manufacturer team is an honor and I hope to reward Renault’s faith in me with my very best performances on track,” said Sainz in a statement.

“The trajectory of Renault Sport Formula One Team is exciting and I’m proud to join at such an important time in their history.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone at Enstone and Viry, and driving alongside Nico Hülkenberg. I have worked closely with Renault in Formula 1 and previously in motorsport, so I know their motivation and capabilities.

“This is the start of a very exciting new chapter in my career.

“I would like to say thank you to Red Bull for all their confidence and support and for allowing me to take this opportunity.

“Last but not least, I specially want to thank all the people that work in Toro Rosso. They are a fantastic team of professionals and I wish them the best for the future.”

Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport Racing added: “Carlos Sainz is a very promising driver who has been on our radar for some time, especially after his successes in Renault junior formulae.

“It is positive news for us to be able to confirm Carlos for 2018.

“This choice is well aligned with our mid-term strategic plans.

“We feel that Nico and Carlos will complement each other on and off track and the combination should help us push forwards on the grid.

“I would like to thank Helmut Marko for loaning Carlos to us for this period.

“We must thank Jolyon for his ongoing hard work with the team and his efforts over the past two seasons. He is a dedicated driver and we wish him the best in the next steps of his career.”

Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant:
“We are happy to have reached an agreement for Carlos to drive for Renault Sport Formula One Team in 2018.

“He is a tremendous talent and he will benefit from working with a manufacturer team alongside a highly experienced driver.

“This will give Carlos a different challenge and we will be keenly watching his progress there as he remains part of the Red Bull family.

“This is very good development for both Carlos and Renault Sport Formula One Team and will also allow us to bring a new talent into Formula One.”