"Daniel's signing underscores our determination to accelerate our progress towards the forefront of the sport. It is also a recognition of the work accomplished over the past two and a half seasons. Daniel's undoubted talent and charisma are a huge bonus and statement for the team. We will have to repay his faith in us by delivering the best car possible."
Renault Formula 1 team boss Cyril Abiteboul stated those words about Daniel Ricciardo's signing from Red Bull 21 months ago. That's not even two years.
This week has been the biggest shake-up in the F1 driver market since Renault made that very announcement in early August 2018 - which had a knock-on effect at several other squads. At the time, it was hailing the arrival of arguably the championship's best overtaker, a proven race winner seeking to join a manufacturer team - aiming for titles with a pay packet to match that shared desire.