Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren MCL36. Austrian Grand Prix, Friday 8th July 2022. Spielberg, Austria.
Daniel Ricciardo has reiterated his commitment to McLaren’s Formula 1 team amid a spate of rumours linking other drivers to his seat.
Ricciardo ended McLaren’s nine-year win drought in 2021 but has largely had a subdued 18-month spell with a team that he joined on a three-year contract.
He has scored only 17 points this year, with a best finish of sixth, while team-mate Lando Norris has amassed 64 points, including a podium result.
Writing on social media on Wednesday Ricciardo posted: “There have been a lot of rumours 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.”
McLaren this week handed a two-day test to IndyCar racer Colton Herta in its 2021-spec car and has also been recently linked to current Alpine reserve Oscar Piastri, who also provides back-up duties for the Woking-based squad.
Keyword: ‘I still want this more than ever’ – Ricciardo emphasises ’23 McLaren deal