Sainz to replace Vettel at Ferrari, McLaren rope in Ricciardo

The 25-year-old Sainz will join Charles Leclerc in a rare youthful Ferrari line-up after what will be two years at McLaren.

He had an impressive 2019 campaign, when the team's fortunes improved and his stock also rose to prominence.

Sainz finished sixth in the standings last year after collecting 96 points and earning a podium berth.

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto said: "We've embarked on a new cycle with the aim of getting back to the top in Formula 1. It will be a long journey, not without its difficulties, especially given the current financial and regulatory situation, which is undergoing a sudden change and will require this challenge to be tackled in a different way to the recent past."

Meanwhile, Ricciardo, who is a seven-time race winner, will take Sainz's place at a re-emerging McLaren team.

McLaren are set to have Mercedes engines from 2021 onwards.

"Signing Daniel is another step forward in our long-term plan and will bring an exciting new dimension to the team, alongside Lando," said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

The former Red Bull driver finished ninth last season.

Earlier, it was reported that Sebastian Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of the year after contract talks between the two broke down with no agreement.

It's all set to end a six-year spell for Vettel at Ferrari.

Vettel had joined Ferrari in 2015 and hoped of winning the title with them.

However, he was highly inconsistent during his spell here.

It has been reported that Ferrari offered Vettel a vastly reduced salary and a shorter contract than he desired.

In 2017 and 2018, Ferrari had a faster car but mistakes cost the side.

That's where the trust broke down.

With Charles Leclerc coming in last year and outwitting Vettel across departments, the latter lost his credibility as the number one.

Vettel fell from grace.