DANIEL RICCIARDO has been given the boot by McLaren – paving the way for them to sign Oscar Piastri as Lando Norris’ teammate for next season.
Ricciardo only joined the team in 2021 and is the only driver to win a race for the Woking team since 2013.
However, he has been consistently out-performed by Norris, forcing McLaren to swoop to sign Piastri, who was wanted by Alpine to replace Fernando Alonso.
Ricciardo’s early exit from his contract is believed to have cost McLaren around £10million.
Ricciardo, who won the 2021 Italian GP prompting the team’s CEO Zak Brown to get a tattoo to commemorate the achievement, 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 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.
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“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.”
Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, added: “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.
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“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, who has also raced for HRT, Toro Rosso, Red Bull and Renault, could switch back to Alpine – the rebranded Renault team, or could find a seat at Haas.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
