McLaren F1 Daniel Ricciardo – Daniel Ricciardo McLaren Contract: Daniel Ricciardo’s spell at McLaren came to an unexpected end when he announced his departure at the end of the season. After making a promising start with victory in the 2021 Italian Grand Prix (GP), the former Red Bull driver has found it tough to negotiate his way in the McLaren race team and ultimately parted company with the British team. Here is a look at the reasons and stats behind Ricciardo’s journey at McLaren ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. Follow All Formula 1 2022 Season & Belgian GP LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN.
- McLaren recently announced Ricciardo’s departure as they brought his two-year spell to an end and will depart at the end of the season
- Ricciardo joined from Renault having previously throttled the engines of Red Bull
- One of the main reason for Ricciardo’s departure is the form of teammate Lando Norris, who is 57 points ahead of him in the Formula 1 standings
McLaren F1 Daniel Ricciardo: All you want to know about McLaren & Daniel Ricciardo Contract break-up, reasons, new driver, stats and Formula 1 Belgian GP
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) August 24, 2022
Reasons for Ricciardo’s departure
Ricciardo never got going with the engines of McLaren as he struggled for form. Once deemed as the best over-taker in the Formula 1 circuit, Ricciardo has been a shadow of his own since his move from Renault. One of the major reasons for his departure has been the poor communication with the team that has ultimately led to his poor form.
Despite a promising start to his life at McLaren, he never got going although he won the Italian GP out of nowhere. He has only accumulated 19 points in 13 races so far, which is an indicator of his lack of confidence at the moment.
Another reason for Ricciardo’s departure is the form of Lando Norris, with whom he joined McLaren. Currently the British racer stands 57 points clear of him on 76 points, again sighting a major concern for the team to part ways with Ricciardo.
Who could replace Ricciardo at McLaren?
With Sergio Perez signed up for the long-term by Red Bull, the door to the senior team is as good as shut for the young French driver. Pierre Gasly could not do much with the opportunity he had at Red Bull in 2019 (when he was dumped back at Toro Rosso within half a season) but ever since, his performances at AlphaTauri have been a revelation.
He is rated very highly by everyone on the grid. The driver has scored podiums every season since he was demoted to AlphaTauri and has consistently outperformed his teammate. For McLaren, Gasly is a young charger who could have the capability to match Lando Norris blow for blow and push the team forward, something Daniel Ricciardo has been unable to do in his stint at McLaren.
McLaren F1 Daniel Ricciardo: All you want to know about McLaren & Daniel Ricciardo Contract break-up, reasons, new driver, stats and Formula 1 Belgian GP
Daniel Ricciardo stats at McLaren
| Year | Position | Number of wins | Highest position | Points |
| 2021 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 115 |
| 2022 | 12 | 0 | 6 | 19 |
| Total | 134 |
What happens in the Belgian GP?
- Daniel Ricciardo will try to add to his tally of 19 points at the Belgian GP, having had a highest position of sixth in the Australian GP.
- However he won’t be the favourite to be even on the podium.
- Max Verstappen will be the favourite to clinch the Belgian GP with eight races of the season to go after this.
- The Dutchman has been throttling his engine rooms this season as he leads the Driver’s standings with an 80-point lead over second place Charles Leclerc.
McLaren F1 Daniel Ricciardo: All you want to know about McLaren & Daniel Ricciardo Contract break-up, reasons, new driver, stats and Formula 1 Belgian GP
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