After a 2021 in which Daniel Ricciardo was not able to show the level that characterized him in his previous years in Formula 1, as in 2022, the Australian driver will say goodbye to McLaren at the end of the year.
The Silly Season holiday started strong with the announcement of the departure of Fernando Alonso from Alpine with Aston Martin management ahead of the 2023 season on the first day off for drivers and teams, news that caught many by surprise… even some of his own team, like Otmar Szafnauer.
The failed Oscar Piastri ad shortly after by the French team, since the Australian driver came to the fore to deny that said signing had taken place, it was the next step in a horde of rumors that practically stopped there, until today.
victory and goodbye
Many voices of paddock then stated that Piastri should have a guaranteed seat in some team to make such a claim, and it seems steps are being taken in due time for him to end up at McLaren in Ricciardo’s place.
“McLaren Racing and Daniel Ricciardo can confirm that Daniel’s contract for 2023 it’s over before timeas both parties have mutually agreed that he will leave the team at the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season,” reads the statement issued by the Woking-based British team.
The triumph of #3 in Monza, with his teammate Lando Norris just behind him, was the only halo of light in a career that has not taken flight, with a fateful 2022 in which his best result was 6th place in his home GP. “The team will confirm its full driver line-up for 2023 in due course,” McLaren added.
For his part, Ricciardo said goodbye with respect to what will be his home until the end of the year. «It has been a privilege to be part of the McLaren Racing family for the last two seasons, but after several months of talks with Zak and Andreas we have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to mutual separation at the end of this season.”
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“I will announce my own future plans in due course, but whatever this next chapter brings, I have no regrets and am proud of the effort and work I put into McLaren, especially the win at Monza last season. . I have enjoyed working with everyone at McLaren, both on track and in Woking, and will give it my all on and off the track as we enjoy the rest of the season together. I have never been more motivated to compete and being part of a sport that I love so much and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come,” concluded Ricciardo.
suppressed disappointment
“I would like to thank Daniel for his dedication and contribution during the last two seasons,” confessed a Andreas Seidl who has managed to give him his space. “Despite shared challenges, she has always shown up with a fighting spirit and positivity and has helped the whole team to always move forward. We will never forget that memorable victory in Monza, which was a great boost for the whole team”, continued the German coach.
“We still have an important battle in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of us for the rest of the season and we are looking forward to fighting with Daniel and Lando.” Finally, Zack Brown, who ratified the Australian despite the final result, was sincere in his farewell. «Daniel has been a great addition to McLaren and it has been a pleasure working with him.. I would like to thank him for all his efforts over the last two seasons, both on the track and on base,” he said.
“It’s no secret that we hoped we could achieve more things together”
“It’s no secret that we hoped we could achieve more things together, but seeing him climb to the top of the podium as a McLaren driver It has been quite an event. We wish him all the best for the future and we are going to enjoy the rest of the season together.”