Carlos Sainz will move to Renault following the Japanese Grand Prix after Renault’s Jolyon Palmer announced after qualifying that he will participate in his final race on Sunday afternoon at Suzuka.
Sainz was supposed to join Renault from next year but according to a statement released by Toro Rosso “circumstances have changed” and they are able to release Sainz earlier.
“First of all I would like to thank Toro Rosso and Red Bull for allowing me the possibility of finishing this season with Renault Sport Racing,” said Sainz.
“More specifically, I really want to thank all my engineers and mechanics for their support and tremendous work throughout these years.
“Toro Rosso is made up of a fantastic group of people and I wish them only the best for the future.
“On my side, I will definitely do my very best in tomorrow’s race… this would be the best possible send-off! Additionally, competing in these last four races with Renault gives me a good opportunity to get to know the team and the car earlier than expected. I am looking forward to start working with them.”
Daniil Kvyat will return from the United States Grand Prix to see out the end of the season and will race alongside Pierre Gasly, the man who replaced him at the Malaysia Grand Prix.
Team Principal of Toro Rosso Franz Tost: “I would like to thank Carlos for all his efforts over almost three Formula 1 seasons.
“He always did his very best, demonstrating an excellent attitude and commitment to his work, which helped him and us to get some great results during that time.
“Therefore, on behalf of everyone at Toro Rosso, I wish him all the very best with his new team. We look forward to beating him on track!”
Early Renault Exit for Palmer
The Renault F1 Team confirmed that Jolyon Palmer, who’s future at the team was in doubt, will race his final race for the team in Japan.
Renault say that they have reached a “mutual agreement” with Palmer to terminate his services for the rest of the season.
“The Japanese Grand Prix will be my last race for Renault,” commented Palmer.
“It’s been an extremely challenging season and I’ve been through a lot in the last three years, but it’s been a tremendous journey overall with the team.
“I can look back proudly at the performance in the second half of last season, my first point in Malaysia and of course reaching a career high of sixth place in Singapore this year.
“I wish the team all the best for the future. My immediate focus is now on achieving the best possible result in the Japanese GP, and then I can assess my options for the future.”
There were reports that Sainz would, in fact, switch over to Renault before the end of the season pending a financial settlement with Palmer who did not want to accept any settlement and wanted to race till the end of the season. It appears that this may have happened or at least some pressure may have been applied on Palmer to perform.
Cyril Abiteboul, Renault Sport Racing Managing Director: “I would like to thank Jolyon for his commitment to the team and his professionalism.
“Since Renault’s return to Formula 1, Jolyon has been highly dedicated in an evolving environment.
“He has shown great personal qualities and we wish him all the best in his future career.”
