The Australian joined McLaren for 2021 on a three-year deal, racing alongside Lando Norris, and while he secured the team’s first win since 2012 at Monza last year – with Norris second – he struggled to match his team-mate’s very impressive pace. On the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix, as Formula 1 returns from its summer break, Ricciardo and McLaren announced they will complete the final nine races of the year together before going their separate ways. McLaren says it will announce who will partner Norris in 2023 “in due course”. Ricciardo will do the same about his future plans, but has suggested he wants to stay in F1. “It has been a privilege to be part of the McLaren Racing family for the past two seasons, but after several months of discussions with Zak [Brown, McLaren CEO] & Andrew [Seidl, Team Principal] we have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to part ways at the end of this season,” the Australian said. Ricciardo’s best finish this year P6 in Australia “I will announce my 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 put into McLaren, especially the win at Monza, last season. “I’ve enjoyed working with everyone at McLaren both on the track and back in Woking and I’ll be giving it my all on and off the track as we enjoy the rest of the season together. I’ve never been more motivated to compete and be a part of a sport I love so much and I’m looking forward to what’s next.” Seidl said: “I would like to thank Daniel for his dedication and contribution over the last two seasons so far. Despite common challenges, he always showed up with a fighting spirit and positivity and helped the whole team to keep pushing forward. “We will never forget that unforgettable race win at 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 rest of the season and we’re looking forward to fighting it with Daniel and Lando.” Ricciardo took McLaren’s last win and completed a one-two at Monza in 2021 Brown added: “Daniel has been a great addition to McLaren and a pleasure to work with. I would like to thank him for all his efforts over the last two seasons, both on the track and in the base. “It’s no secret that we hoped we could achieve more together, but to see him stand on the top step of the podium as a McLaren driver was a highlight. We wish him the best and let’s go enjoy the rest of the season together.” Ricciardo is currently 12th in the drivers’ standings with 19 points, 57 clear of Norris after 13 Grands Prix. His best finish of the year was sixth in Australia, while Norris has four top-six finishes, including a podium at Imola.
