After the Australian’s problems in reaching the level of his teammate, Lando Norris, during the two years they were together, McLaren began a process several weeks ago to agree a separation with Ricciardo .
Hoping to sign Oscar Piastri, who is currently a reserve from Alpine, by 2023, McLaren has entered into talks with Ricciardo about terminating his current contract in order to open a gap for the young driver.
Those talks have come to an end with the agreement between McLaren F1 and Daniel Ricciardo, which will end their relationship at the end of 2022. The news was announced by the driver and team on Wednesday, ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. of week.
Ricciardo signed for McLaren in 2021, signing a three-year deal in which the former Red Bull and Renault driver had the final say on whether or not he wanted to finish last. Until recently he said he was fully committed, despite the frustration, to getting back to his best.
But with McLaren wanting a change, and with things not having improved as much as expected at the team, in the end both sides agreed there was no point in going ahead. Motorsport.com has learned that Ricciardo will be paid in full on his 2023 contract, but is also free to race for another team.
Although the Australian won last year’s Italian Grand Prix, followed by Lando Norris, his time at McLaren has been one of deep frustration, as he has found it difficult to adapt to the characteristics of the car.
While there have been signs of progress at times, Ricciardo’s recent failure to build on the momentum he seemed to have regained after the Monaco Grand Prix raised alarm bells once again that he might never make the breakthrough needed to match his British partner.
McLaren’s decision was prompted by Ricciardo not contributing as many points as expected to help their fight for fourth place in the constructors’ championship against Alpine.
While Norris has scored 76 points so far this year, including a podium finish at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Ricciardo has only added 19. His best result was a sixth place finish in his home race at the Australian GP.
McLaren is currently four points behind the Alpines in the fight for fourth place in the constructors’ championship, with each position worth several million euros in prize money.
Ricciardo will finish the 2022 season with McLaren and is now free to look for other options, one of which could be a return to the Alpine team, which could be left without a second driver if Piastri goes the other way and goes to Woking.
The agreement between Ricciardo and McLaren to separate their paths comes despite the fact that the team is still not certain that it will manage to win Oscar Piastri.
While the team and driver believe they have a firm contract for next year, Alpine also believe they have an agreement for the young Australian to race for them.
The matter is subject to decision by F1’s Contract Recognition Board , and a decision may not be made for several weeks.
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