McLaren has predictably confirmed the early termination of Daniel Ricciardo's three-year contract with the team based on a mutually agreed agreement.
Ricciardo joined McLaren at the start of 2021 and was due to race for the Woking-based outfit until the end of 2023.
But Ricciardo's disappointing results this season have compelled McLaren to part ways earlier than expected with it’s the Aussie who is expected to be replaced by Alpine junior Oscar Piastri.
Ricciardo's only podium with McLaren was achieved last year at Monza when he delivered a sensational win – its first since Brazil 2012 – to the team.
"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," commented Ricciardo.
"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."
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Despite Ricciardo's performance shortfall, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl highlighted the 33-year-old's "dedication and contribution over the last two seasons".
"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," added Seidl.
"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."
Finally, McLaren racing boss 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."
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) August 24, 2022
Ricciardo has expressed a desire to press on in Formula 1, but his options for the future appear very limited.
"For the future, and what lies ahead, I am not sure yet," Ricciardo said in a message posted on social media in the wake of today's announcement.
"The sport, I still love it. I still have that fire in me, the belief in my belly, that I can do this at the highest level. This isn’t it for me, but we will see what lies ahead."
A return to Alpine in place of Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso is seen as the only viable option for the Aussie. But it's unclear if the Enstone outfit is itself open to such a possibility.
Regarding Piastri, given the contentious nature of the 21-year old's contractual situation, with Alpine claiming it has a valid right to the young Aussie's services for 2023, it could be some time before the latter is officially confirmed as a member of the McLaren team, with the matter potentially decided by F1’s Contracts’ Recognition Board.
While a continued relationship between Piastri and Alpine seems impossible at this stage, given the potential litigation and bad blood, team boss Otmar Szafnauer has suggested that the French outfit could take its driver to court and seek a financial compensation from the Aussie for the support it provided to the young gun - a member of Alpine's junior academy – in the past few seasons.
For Alpine, there will likely be no return on its investment in Piastri.
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