Daniel Ricciardo set to leave McLaren at the end of the 2022 Season

While it has been generally accepted that Daniel Ricciardo would be leaving McLaren at the end of the 2022 season to make way for up and coming talent Oscar Piastri. But as of the day this article is being written, a mutual agreement between Ricciardo and the McLaren Formula 1 team has been made for his contract to be terminated early. The contract, which was set to expire at the end of the 2023 season, has been cut short due to conflicts of interest between the two parties in regards to the current driver market.

Ricciardo, who joined the papaya outfit in 2021, replacing the Ferrari bound Carlos Sainz, had a quietly successful season last year. Getting McLaren's only win since 2012 at the Italian Grand Prix, while simultaneously working in conjunction with his team mate Lando Norris to get the seasons only one-two finish. Ricciardo was able to do his part to bag a fourth place in the constructors for the team in a semi-competitive midfield. It is now a matter of time for McLaren to confirm their 2023 driver lineup.

When speaking on Daniel Ricciardo and his achievements in his two years with McLaren, team principle Andreas Seidl had to say, "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 battle this out with Daniel and Lando."

Zak Brown, the CEO of the McLaren group had to say, "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."

Ricciardo released a statement on his departure. Stating, "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 the 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 the 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.

We discuss where Ricciardo can go in Whats Ricciardos next big move?, having many options to keep his racing career alive.