--- title: "It’s Done: Daniel Ricciardo Is Leaving McLaren F1 at the End of 2022" date: "2022-08-24" modified: "2022-08-24" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/its-done-daniel-ricciardo-is-leaving-mclaren-f1-at-the-end-of-2022" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # It’s Done: Daniel Ricciardo Is Leaving McLaren F1 at the End of 2022 ![]() *\Getty\* Despite all the Formula 1 drama going on between Alpine and Oscar Piastri, the single most talked-about storyline in F1 this summer involved [Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren](). Well, it seems like [McLaren CEO Zak Brown's done it]()—he's really done it. Ricciardo will be leaving the team at the end of the current season, likely [paving the way for rookie Oscar Piastri](). It's been widely reported that Brown had [already handed Piastri a signed contract]() after Alpine reportedly failed to snatch the rookie up. Alpine denies this, of course. Regardless, Brown's alleged decision seemed to make it clear that a McLaren seat would be vacant for the 2023 season. With Lando Norris' seat secure at the Papaya Orange squad, it looked obvious that the racing executive didn't see his team's future involving Ricciardo. ![]() *Getty* McLaren has yet to announce who will partner Norris in 2023, though with Piastri and Alpine's legal battle expected to drag on for a bit, it could be a while until that decision's made public. “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 and Andreas, we have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to mutually part ways at the end of this season," said Ricciardo in a press release. “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," he added. "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.” The Australian posted the following video announcement to his [Twitter]() account. https://twitter.com/danielricciardo/status/1562444128629116928?s=20&t=RtRngcVzt-QUypxkpOzK-w The footage clearly shows much more emotion than the written announcement shared by McLaren's PR department. The fact that Ricciardo begins the video with "not great news" before reminiscing about his Monza win shows that this wasn't an easy decision for the Australian. I'd dare say that Ricciardo looked melancholic in the two-minute-long video, maybe even downright sad. Today's announcements didn't touch on one important detail. How much did McLaren pay Ricciardo to break his contract? [Reports]() claim that amount to be anywhere from $15,000,000 to $25,000,000. Even if that's not the news Ricciardo expected from the team, it's safe to say he will be handsomely rewarded for being shown the door prematurely—at least financially. It appears that Ricciardo, Piastri, and likely Mick Schumacher will be chasing down whatever seats are left for next year. It's evident that Piastri will race at either Alpine or McLaren, but who knows about the other two? *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()