McLaren have announced that Daniel Ricciardo will leave their F1 team at end of 2022 season.
Ricciardo arrived at McLaren in early 2021 following his move from Renault and has gone score to 134 points in 35 races for the British constructor, including victory at 2021 Italian Grand Prix in a one-two finish with Lando Norris having finished second.
The 33 year-old Australian though has struggled to adapt to the new generation car this season, with just 19 points amassed from four points-scoring finishes in the opening 13 races which has led McLaren to decide to part company with him at end of season.
Speaking about his decision to leave McLaren at end of season, Ricciardo admitted that the decision was “mutually” agreed after “several months of discussion” with Zak Brown and Andreas Seidl about his future at the team.
On what lies ahead with five seats available for next season aside from McLaren, Ricciardo said: “I’ll be announcing my own 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 gave McLaren, especially the win in Monza, last season.”
Ricciardo also praised McLaren for their efforts across the last two seasons as he concluded: “I’ve enjoyed working with everyone at McLaren both trackside and back in Woking and will be giving my all on and off track as we enjoy the remainder of the season together.
“I’ve never been more motivated to compete and be a part of a sport that I love so much and look forward to what comes next.”
McLaren CEO, Brown added that it had “been a pleasure working with…” Ricciardo as he thanked the Aussie for his efforts on and off track.
On his highlight of Ricciardo’s time at McLaren, Brown commented: “It’s no secret that we hoped we could achieve more together but seeing him stand on the top step of the podium as a McLaren driver was a highlight.”
Seidl who serves as Team Principal of McLaren’s F1 team, meanwhile praised Ricciardo “for his dedication and contribution” to the team in which he has shown “a fighting spirit and positivity” no matter how tough the race weekends have been.
Norris meanwhile tweeted that he wishes Ricciardo the best for his future away from McLaren after this season.
What a ride @danielricciardo. From that moment in Monza, to the laughs we’ve had out of the car, it’s been a joy working with you these last two years. Whatever’s next I wish you all the best, let’s have a mega next few months pic.twitter.com/V0F5oQylpb
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) August 24, 2022
Confirmation of Ricciardo’s departure now paves the way for his compatriot, Oscar Piastri to complete his switch to McLaren from Alpine, with confirmation of his move set to be announced in due course.
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