Ricciardo speaks out against F1 retirement rumours

McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has denied rumours that he will exit Formula 1 at the end of this season.

The Australian joined McLaren on a three-year deal following two years with Renault and two podiums.

Despite snatching the team’s first Grand Prix victory since 2012 at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, both the team and Ricciardo have been disappointed with the results obtained so far.

Last year, Ricciardo finished eighth on 115 points while teammate Lando Norris ended the year in sixth with 160. This season, Ricciardo currently sits 12th, 47 points behind his young teammate.

However, despite rumours of a possible exit from the team, Ricciardo has said he is more committed than ever to taking McLaren back to the top.

Issuing a statement on social media, the 33-year-old said:

“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. [I] 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.”

Although nothing has been officially confirmed, possible replacements for the eight-time Grand Prix winner include Pato O’Ward, Oscar Piastri and the recently-signed Alex Palou.

With half of the season gone, there is still time for Ricciardo to prove that he is the man to help McLaren return to their past form in the coming years.

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