Daniel Ricciardo has addressed speculation surrounding his future in Formula 1, confirming he will be remaining on the grid until the end of 2023 and fulfilling the full duration of his McLaren contract.
Rumours have been rife about whether or not his stay atMcLarenwould carry on beyond the end of the season, with CEO Zak Brown previously confirming there were mechanisms within his contract that could allow for an early exit from his deal.
The team has most recentlysigned IndyCar champion Alex Palou to its racing roster, with fellow young IndyCar talents Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward having also tested McLaren machinery since the end of last year.
Ricciardo himself, however, has kept his mindset fully focused on the job at hand at McLaren, where he has struggled alongsideLando Norrisso far this year – having scored 17 points compared to 64 for his team-mate, and often being out-performed by the young Briton last season as well, despite winning the Italian Grand Prix.
At home with the@DanielRicciardo’s back at the MTC, checking in with the team and prepping for France.pic.twitter.com/bUzRopvwSL
— McLaren (@McLarenF1)July 13, 2022
The eight-time race winner wrote on his social media pages: “There have been a lot of rumors around my future in Formula 1, but I want you to hear it from me.
“I am committed to McLaren until the end of next year and am not walking away from the sport. Appreciate it hasn’t always been easy, but who wants easy!
“I’m working my ass off with the team to make improvements and get the car right and back to the front where it belongs. I still want this more than ever. See you in Le Castellet.”
Ricciardo’s compatriot,Mark Webber is working on trying to get Oscar Piastri a seat in Formula1 next year, with McLaren reportedly being a target for the young Formula 2 champion – with Alpine having also offered them his services as a reserve driver earlier in the year.
Ricciardo, however, has now set out his stall in wanting to stay with the team for the remainder of his contract.