Daniel Ricciardo is set to leave McLaren at the end of the 2022 Formula One season after he and the team agreed to the early termination of his contract.

“It’s been a privilege to be a part of the McLaren Racing family for the last two seasons,” said Ricciardo, who joined McLaren from Renault in 2021.

“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.

“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.”

Ricciardo signed a three-year deal when he joined the Woking team in 2021 and was still adamant he would remain at the team as recently as last month. But poor form on the track has ensured that an exit will happen earlier than expected.

When Fernando Alonso announced his exit from Alpine to Aston Martin for the start of 2023, Alpine swiftly announced reserve driver Oscar Piastri as his replacement. But Piastri immediately denied this on social media, stating that he would also be leaving in 2023.

It is rumoured that McLaren have a deal set with Piastri and always wanted Ricciardo to leave early. Alpine, though believe that they have a contract with the young Australian and that he’d be driving for them come 2023.