But the McLaren hierarchy have moved to end the 33-year-old’s disappointing two-season spell with the team by paying out the final season of his deal. Ricciardo will leave McLaren at the end of the current campaign and is expected to be replaced by highly rated 21-year-old Oscar Piastri. This month Alpine announced that Piastri, a reserve driver at the French team, would race for them next season – only for the Australian to say he was not – with the Formula 2 champion believed to have already agreed terms with McLaren. McLaren said it would announce its plans for next season in due course. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Ricciardo said: “It has been a privilege to be part of the McLaren Racing family for the past two seasons, but after several months of discussions with [McLaren CEO] Zac Brown and [team principal] Andreas Seidl and I have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to part ways at the end of this season. “I will announce my future plans in due course, but regardless of what this next chapter brings, I have no regrets and am proud of the effort and work I put into McLaren, especially the win at Monza, last season. Quick guide
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Thanks for your response. “I’ve enjoyed working with everyone at McLaren both on the track and back in Woking and I’ll be giving it my all on and off the track as we enjoy the rest of the season together. I’ve never been more motivated to compete and be a part of a sport I love so much and I’m looking forward to what’s next.” Brown said this season that Ricciardo, a former Red Bull and Renault driver, has not lived up to his expectations since arriving at the team last year. Although Ricciardo ended McLaren’s nine-match drought with victory at the Italian Grand Prix last season, he has consistently outperformed Britain’s Lando Norris. Norris has qualified ahead of Ricciardo in 11 of 13 races in 2022 and has scored 57 points more than his teammate. Brown said: “Daniel has been a great addition to McLaren and a pleasure to work with. I would like to thank him for all his efforts over the last two seasons, both on the track and in the base. It’s no secret that we hoped we could achieve more together, but to see him stand on the top step of the podium as a McLaren driver was a highlight. We wish him the best and let’s go enjoy the rest of the season together.” Ricciardo’s future is unclear. He could replace Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso at Alpine – the team he left for McLaren – while Alfa Romeo, Haas and Williams are yet to announce their plans for 2023. Brown added: “We’re not going to get into any contractual details with Daniel other than to come to a very amicable and acceptable solution. It’s fair to say we’re surprised the deal didn’t pan out. He has a fantastic CV and will hopefully find his form in a new environment “We have no knowledge of his plans, other than his desire to be on the grid, and we are very optimistic that Daniel will be in F1 next year.”
