Daniel Ricciardo came out to confirm his intention to remain at McLaren in 2023, the last year of his contract, after the confirmation of Álex Palou's arrival at the team
McLaren announced the signing of reigning IndyCar Series champion Álex Palou last Tuesday night (12), which caused an avalanche of rumors in the world of motorsports. Without specifying to which category the Spaniard will go, the spotlight was again turned on Daniel Ricciardo, who cannot perform at the expected level in the team and is living with rumors that he will be replaced.
However, the Australian driver made a point of going public to indicate that he has no intention of leaving his contract, which runs until the end of next year. Ricciardo acknowledged the complicated moment since he arrived in Woking, but said he did not expect it to be easy and that he still believes in turning the game around.
"There have been many rumors about my future in Formula 1, but I want you to hear it from me," Ricciardo said on one of his social networks. "I am committed to McLaren until the end of next year and I am not walking away from the sport. I recognize it hasn't been easy, but who wants easy?" he questioned.
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"I am working too hard with the team to be able to improve and get the car back where it belongs," he continued. "I still want that more than ever. See you at Le Castellet," the driver closed.
At the age of 25, Palou made his Indy debut in 2020 for Dale Coyne and transferred to Ganassi in 2021. With three wins and 549 points, he became the champion in only his second year in the category. This season, Álex is fifth in the standings, still winless, but with four podiums recorded.
McLaren says it is yet to confirm the driver line-ups for next season. Pato O'Ward and Alexander Rossi are confirmed for Indy, while Felix Rosenqvist has signed a flexible contract, and the team has not yet confirmed whether the Swede will continue in Indy or compete in Formula E.