McLaren have today announced that Daniel Ricciardo will leave the team at the end of the 2022 season, “as both parties mutually agreed” to terminate his contract early.
The Australian’s deal runs until the end of 2023, but following their decision to cut short his stay at McLaren team, the Woking-based outfit will be free to look for another driver for next year.
In a press release announcing the move, McLaren said they will announce Ricciardo’s replacement in due course.
It looks likely that Oscar Piastri, who publicly turned down Alpine’s offer of a seat for next year, will join McLaren as Lando Norris’ team-mate.
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Ricciardo has been linked with a return to Alpine in recent weeks, and Haas team principal Guenther Steiner is understood to have spoken to the Australian during the Hungarian GP weekend to discuss his availability.
Commenting on his departure from McLaren at the end of the season, Ricciardo said he will soon be announcing his “own future plans” and noted that he extensively discussed his future with team principal Andreas Seidl and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.
“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 & Andreas we have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to mutually part ways at the end of this season,” he 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.
“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,” he concluded.
Seidl, for his part, thanked Ricciardo for his service and emphasised the importance of having a strong close to the 2022 season with both drivers.
“I would like to thank Daniel for his dedication and contribution over the last two seasons so far,” said the German.
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“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.”