Daniel Ricciardo will leave McLaren at the end of the current campaign a year before his contract was set to expire, the team has officially announced.
Daniel Ricciardo’s contract will end earlier than expected, McLaren Racing just confirmed this afternoon and although his contract has been canceled, he was initially expected to race for the team through 2023.
The 33-year-old signed a three-year contract to join the team at the start of the last campaign. He ended the team’s nine-year winless streak by winning the Italian Grand Prix, but the rest of the season was challenging.
Little has changed for him in his second season with the team. Ricciardo had scored less than a fourth of his teammate Lando Norris’s total points at the summer break.
“McLaren Racing and Daniel Ricciardo can confirm that Daniel’s 2023 contract has been terminated early as both parties have mutually agreed that he will leave the team at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season,” said the team in a statement.
Daniel Ricciardo also shared the news via twitter: “It’s been a privilege to be a part of the McLaren Racing family for the last two seasons.”
“But following several months of discussions with Zak and Andreas we have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to mutually part ways at the end of this season.”
“I’ll be announcing my own future plans in due course but regardless of what this next chapter brings,” the Australian driver added. “I have no regrets and am proud of the effort and work I gave McLaren, especially the win in Monza, last season.”
“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 team principal Andreas Seidl, lauded Ricciardo’s efforts throughout the course of his first year and a half with them.
“I would like to thank Daniel for his dedication and contribution over the last two seasons so far,” he said. “Despite the shared challenges, he has always turned up with a fighting spirit and positivity and helped the entire team to always keep pushing forward.”
“We will never forget that memorable race win in Monza which was a great boost for the whole team.”
“We still have an important battle in the constructors’ championship ahead of us for the remainder of the season and we look forward to battle this out with Daniel and Lando.”
Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, made certain comments earlier this year that raised concerns about Ricciardo’s future with the team. Prior to the decision and today’s announcement, he and Seidl had a lengthy conversation with the driver about his future.
In his statement posted on social media, Ricciardo assured fans that he still loves the sport but expressed uncertainty about what lies ahead for him.
“This hasn’t affected any of that, I still have that fire in me, that belief in my belly that I can do this at the highest level,” he said. “All that stuff’s still there.”
Additionally, McLaren has stated that they will reveal Norris’ new teammate for next season in due time, with Oscar Piastri rumored to replace Daniel Ricciardo.
