Daniel Ricciardo's shock deal with Renault has undoubtedly been the biggest news of the season so far.

The Australian, who is out of contract with Red Bull at the end of the season, hadn't hidden that he was discussing terms with other teams and considering a move but a move to Renault was never thought to be on the cards.

Ricciardo had gone as far as verbally agreeing on a renewal with the Austrians who were even prepared to grant his wish of a one-year deal despite being reluctant to. 

He'd admitted in the press just a week beforehand that he was almost certainly staying put but news broke on Friday that he would be instead leaving to join Renault.

It's a move that will shake up both sides, with a new teammate now needed for Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Renault, on the other hand, know their team - Carlos Sainz Jr. will make way for a new lineup of Nico Hulkenberg and Ricciardo.

And the German has recently spoken out on the move, giving his thoughts on his new high-profile teammate.

"Daniel is a great driver and a man who can do everything," he told Bild. 

"I do not have to hide from the challenge that awaits me this season, but for me, having such a great teammate is only positive, but it also shows how serious Renault is if you're one of the drivers to get the top three in."

It's a good attitude from Hulkenberg and one that goes against some of the other relationships between elite drivers.

Just recently, Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas admitted that it 'hurt' being referred to as champion Lewis Hamilton's wingman by Toto Wolff, while Ricciardo himself has been accused of running away from Verstappen's status at Red Bull.

But Hulkenberg appears to be looking at things the right way; this is a real coup for Renault, and one that should make the 2019 season very interesting indeed.