Daniel Ricciardo announced he would leave McLaren a year early of his contract on Thursday. PHOTO: McLaren

Brendan Lines August 25, 2022 

Australian Daniel Ricciardo confirmed he will exit McLaren at the end of the 2022 season.

The eight-time grand prix winner – including McLaren’s first win since 2012 at Monza last year – and the Woking-based team agreed to terminate his contract a year early, it’s understood Ricciardo’s contract was heavily weighted towards the Australian having the final call.

After nearly two seasons of mixed results, Ricciardo’s exit loomed after McLaren CEO Zak Brown’s admission the team and its driver “had not met expectations” ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix in May.

Recent speculation suggested McLaren had been working on an agreement with Ricciardo’s fellow countryman and Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri, after Piastri’s revelation he had no contract to drive for the French team next year.

Ricciardo said he is yet to make any announcement on his future. 

“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 & Andreas we have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to mutually part ways at the end of this season,” Ricciardo said. 

“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.”

Team principal Andreas Seidl had been a supporter of Ricciardo, said the Australian was committed to helping the team finish the season strongly.  

“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,” Seidl said.

“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.”

Brown said it was “no secret that we hoped to achieve more” but the Monza win would be the highlight of Ricciardo’s tenure with the team.

“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,” Brown said.

“We wish him well for the future and let’s go enjoy the rest of the season together.”

At this stage, there are slim opportunities in the Formula 1 driver market for Ricciardo, with most drivers contracted until next year, except for Mick Schumacher at Haas.

A return to his old team Alpine, formerly Renault, is open after current driver Fernanado Alonso surprised the team with a shock exit to Aston Martin to replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel just after the Hungarian Grand Prix last month