McLaren and Daniel Ricciardo have announced an agreement to end the Australian’s contract early. The Australian had signed for three seasons, which would have taken him until the end of the 2023 campaign. However, he will leave the team at the end of 2022.
Ricciardo says the decision has come after “several months of discussions” with McLaren bosses Zak Brown and Andreas Seidl, and that he will announce his future plans shortly.
“It has been a privilege to be part of the McLaren family for the past two seasons, but after several months of discussions with Zak and Andreas we have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to part ways with each other at the end of this season.” Ricciardo said in a team statement issued on Wednesday.
“I will announce my own future plans in due course, but whatever 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. “.
“I have enjoyed working with everyone at McLaren, both on track and in Woking, and I will give it my all on and off the circuit so that we can enjoy the remainder of the season together.”
“I have never been more motivated to compete and be a part of a sport that I love so much, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding Ricciardo’s future, as the Woking-based outfit aims to make Oscar Piastri its second driver from next year. McLaren remains in talks with Piastri amid his contract dispute with the Alpine team.
McLaren chief executive Brown spoke about Ricciardo’s performance, saying he expected better results when he signed a driver who had won eight Grands Prix.
“Daniel has been a great addition to McLaren, and it has been a pleasure working with him,” said Brown. “I would like to thank him for all his efforts over the last two seasons, both on track and in Woking.”
“It’s no secret that we were hoping for more success together, but seeing him climb to the top of the podium as a McLaren driver was quite an event. We wish him all the best for the future and we’re going to enjoy the rest of the season together.”
Despite an impressive win at last year’s Italian Grand Prix, in which Lando Norris completed McLaren’s one-two by crossing the finish line second, Ricciardo has struggled since joining the team in 2021; the Australian was unable to adapt to the particularities of the car.
The Australian’s difficulties have continued this season, in which he has only added 19 points, compared to Norris’ 76, and McLaren has fallen four points behind the Alpines in the fight for fourth place in the F1 constructors’ world championship .
Ricciardo will continue the remainder of the 2022 F1 campaign at McLaren as he assesses his options for next year.
Meanwhile, McLaren will continue its search for Piastri, who is still fighting with Alpine to get out of the French team. Alpine believes they have an agreement for the young driver to race with them in 2023. The matter is subject to decision by F1’s Contract Recognition Board.
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