DANIEL RICCIARDO has struggled to match Lando Norris’s performances this season, as speculation about McLaren replacing the Australian grows with his contract looking to be curtailed
McLaren’s future with Daniel Ricciardo is in doubt after team boss Zak Brown admitted the Australian has not lived up to the team’s expectations. This season, the 32-year-old has only beaten Norris twice, and one of those victories came following the Briton’s crash at the Miami Grand Prix.
4 Drivers Who Could Replace Daniel Ricciardo If McLaren Terminates His Contract Midway Through F1 2022 Season
Ricciardo has only made one podium appearance for McLaren since joining the team in 2021, compared to Norris’ five in the same time period. His future was called into question ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, with Zak Brown claiming the team was eager to replace him. Daniel had signed a three year contract with the team back in 2021, one which runs till the summer of 2023.
Here are four drivers McLaren could consider replacing Ricciardo
Colton Herta
The IndyCar driver recently signed a contract with McLaren for testing and development as he strives for a spot on the F1 starting grid. Brown may also look to Herta to capitalise on the newly discovered US audience eager to see an American driver on the grid.
Brown recently stated that the team has a ‘plan installed’ for the 22-year-old, implying that he will be an important part of the team’s squad in the future. Brown even admitted that if he continues to perform well, he will be “in with a chance” to drive in Formula One.
“Colton has to be super fast, fun and enjoyable to work with, and he has to be very good at providing technical feedback,” he said. If he does all of that, he’ll be in with a chance when a seat becomes available.”
Pato O’Ward
The Mexican has just signed a new contract with Mclaren’s IndyCar team that will keep him there until 2025. His new contract, however, will include additional seat time in F1 cars after he participated in the end-of-season Young Drivers Test in Abu Dhabi last season.
Brown confirmed that O’Ward would ‘definitely’ be included in the team’s F1 testing programme, keeping him firmly in play. O’Ward has openly stated his love for F1 and stated that he would like to make a movie about it.
“My dream of becoming a racing driver came true in Formula 1,” he explained. It’s what opened your eyes to a whole new world.”
Nyck De Vries
De Vries is one of the best drivers who has never been a full-time F1 driver and has soared on the world stage. The 27-year-old won the Formula E championship in 2021 and made his F1 debut this season, filling in for Alex Albon at the Spanish Grand Prix.
McLaren already has the Dutchman’s services under contract with engine partner Mercedes.
Oscar Piastri
Piastri dominated the 2021 Formula 2 season, a year after winning the Formula 3 championship. The Australian has been lauded as one of the sport’s most promising young drivers, but he has yet to secure a seat on the grid due to a lack of available slots.
The 21-year-old is under contract with Alpine but has joined McLaren’s reserve driver pool ahead of the new season.
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