Formula One: McLaren confirm Daniel Ricciardo will LEAVE the team at the end of the season

Daniel Ricciardo will leave McLaren at the end of the season after the team terminated his contract early.

The Australian, an eight-time grand prix winner, has struggled for form during his two-season stint, being markedly outperformed by his less experienced team-mate Lando Norris in qualifying and trailing him by 57 points after 13 races.

Ricciardo confirmed his departure with 21-year-old Formula Two champion Oscar Piastri expected to take his fellow Australian’s place. Ricciardo, 33, was under contract until the end of 2023 and only last month insisted he was ‘committed to McLaren until the end of next year’.

Daniel Ricciardo will leave McLaren at the end of the 2022 season, the team has confirmed

But the team have decided to pay out the final season of his deal, believed to be worth about £12million.

Ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Ricciardo said: ‘It’s been a privilege to be a part of the McLaren Racing family, but following several months of discussions with (chief executive) Zak Brown and (team principal) Andreas Seidl, we have decided to terminate my contract early and agree to part ways mutually at the end of this season.

‘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.’

The Australian veteran, 33, has endured a nightmare 2022, with just four top 10 finishes

His exit paves the way for fellow countryman and hotshot Oscar Piastri to take his seat

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said: ‘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.’  

It is thought Ricciardo wants to remain in Formula One.

A possible destination is the Alpine team, where Ricciardo previously drove he when it was still called Renault.

Sunday’s grand prix may be the last staged in Belgium but F1 chief Stefano Domenicali said: ‘We have always said the traditional races, even though they cannot bring the same money as the others, have full respect from us. Discussions are still on with Belgium. We are in Spa this week, so the promoters there will be in my office.’

McLaren CEO Zak Brown said it was ‘no secret’ he expected better results from Ricciardo