The news Sebastian Vettel would not be renewing his Ferrari deal beyond 2020 appeared to be manna from heaven for Daniel Ricciardo, who seemed the most logical alternative to the outgoing four-time world champion.
A proven race winner, popular, with Italian heritage -- Ricciardo ticked all the boxes that Ferrari would be looking for in Charles Leclerc's next teammate.
But that opportunity is going to Carlos Sainz, with Ricciardo taking the Spaniard's place at the once-great McLaren team, which has not won a race since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.
So why has he taken what appears to be another sideways step at a crucial stage of his career?