Daniel Ricciardo has maintained that he still has a healthy relationship with McLaren amid his recent form, and the stinging comments from CEO Zak Brown.
It has not been a secret that Ricciardo has struggled to find form at McLaren since his arrival last year, and he has perennially struggled alongside team-mate Lando Norris.
The Australian has failed to score any points in the last four races, and Brown said ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix that the eight-time race winner had not “met his or our expectations” during his tenure.
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That led to speculation that the former Red Bull driver might well be off before the end of his contract next year, but he insists that the relationship is still good with the British team after some candid conversations in the last couple of weeks.
“We’ve spoken, we’ve had a catch-up, but nothing needed to be elaborated on,” he explained.
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“The clarity is there for us moving forward, my contract is clear with the team for next year, I’m fully committed, I’ve certainly voiced that.
“Obviously now, it’s on track, and showing these moments, these races I know I’m capable of, and I do truly believe I have the full support of the team, and we want to do it together.”
Ricciardo previously remarked that Brown’s comments about him were “not false,” but he has learned to simply let speculation roll off the shoulder over the years.
“I wasn’t surprised,” added the 32-year-old.
“I’ve maybe become a little immune to the media, with being in the sport for so long. We do more and more as we go through the years.
“I don’t really take it for its full value or worth, and some things are taken out of context, so I’m not really one to go into it, read too much and try and understand it.
“At the end of the day, I know the facts between us and what I have with the team.
“Simply, I don’t get caught up so I guess I’m not surprised with anything these days.”
Ricciardo had another difficult day on Friday in Baku, ending FP1 and FP2 18th and 14th respectively, although fuel loads and engine modes might have played a factor.