Cologne (SID) – Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has reacted to the persistent rumors regarding his replacement at the McLaren racing team and has gone on the offensive. “I am committed to McLaren through the end of next year and will not be leaving the sport,” the Australian wrote on social media on Wednesday. Ricciardo’s contract runs until the end of 2023.
“I know it wasn’t always easy, but who wants it easy! I’m working my ass off with the team so we can improve and get the car right and put it forward where it belongs,” he wrote eight-time Grand Prix winner.
Since moving to the traditional British team in early 2021, the highly paid 33-year-old has mostly been overshadowed by his teammate Lando Norris, who is eleven years his junior. However, he also set an absolute highlight: Last year in Italy, Ricciardo achieved the first Grand Prix victory for McLaren following a dry spell of almost nine years.
Recently, the rumor mill has been brewing because McLaren boss Zak Brown has avoided crystal-clear statements regarding Ricciardo’s future. According to the BBC, the racing team should deal with ex-world champion Sebastian Vettel (35 / Heppenheim), whose contract with Aston Martin is expiring. The Australian top talent Oscar Piastri (21), only a substitute driver for the opponent Alpine, is considered a candidate.
The fact that the American Colton Herta (22) was allowed to test last year’s McLaren on Monday and Tuesday also caused speculation. Herta drives in the IndyCar series, but he is regularly associated with a move to Formula 1. In addition, on Wednesday McLaren announced the commitment of Alex Palou (25) for the coming year – for the in-house IndyCar racing team. The Spaniard Palou is the reigning champion of the US racing series.
