Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed his split with the McLaren team, effective at the end of the 2022 season, after the team and the Aussie “mutually agreed” to end their contract one year prematurely.
Ricciardo joined the Woking-based team in 2021 on a three-year deal to race alongside Lando Norris, and while he landed the team’s first win since 2012 at Monza in 2021, he has continuously struggled to match his teammate’s very impressive pace.
The announcement came on the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix, as the summer break wound to a close, meaning Ricciardo and McLaren have just nine races left together.
McLaren says it will confirm Norris’s new teammate for 2023 “in due course” while Ricciardo will reveal his next move soon – but he did suggest that he’s keen to be on the grid next season.
Announcing the split, Ricciardo said: “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 Brown and Andreas Seidl, 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, 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.”
Seidl later added: “I would like to thank Daniel for his dedication and contribution over the last two seasons so far. 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 battling this out with Daniel and Lando.”
Meanwhile, Brown said: “Daniel has been a great addition to McLaren, and it’s been a pleasure working with him. I’d like to thank him for all of his efforts over the last two seasons both trackside and back at base.
“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. We wish him well for the future and let’s go enjoy the rest of the season together.”
