Zak Brown on Daniel Ricciardo: ‘No secret we hoped we could achieve more together’

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown will cherish the memory of Daniel Ricciardo winning at Monza, though the hope was for more success.

Speculation had been running rampant that after a season and a half together with limited success, the partnership of Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren was nearing its end.

And confirmation has now arrived that, come the conclusion of the 2022 campaign, McLaren and Ricciardo will go their separate ways.

McLaren are yet to name Ricciardo’s replacement, though it is expected to be Oscar Piastri, while we also wait to hear where Ricciardo will go next, if he does remain in Formula 1.

Of course, Ricciardo’s time at McLaren has not exclusively been a case of disappointments – he would take the Woking outfit back to the top step of the podium at Monza, winning the 2021 Italian Grand Prix after a performance which served as a reminder of exactly what he is capable of.

But, those highs have been far too uncommon, so while Brown will hold on to the memory of that Monza win once Ricciardo leaves at the end of the 2022 campaign, he regrets that there were few major achievements together.

“Daniel has been a great addition to McLaren, and it’s been a pleasure working with him,” said Brown. “I’d like to thank him for all of his efforts over the last two seasons both trackside and back at base.

“It’s no secret that we hoped we could achieve more together but seeing him stand on the top step of the podium as a McLaren driver was a highlight. We wish him well for the future and let’s go enjoy the rest of the season together.”

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl credited Ricciardo for never losing his “fighting spirit” despite the challenges which were encountered, while he hopes that the Aussie can still play a major role in McLaren’s quest to secure P4 in the 2022 Constructors’ Championship.

“I would like to thank Daniel for his dedication and contribution over the last two seasons so far,” Seidl stated. “Despite the shared challenges, he has always turned up with a fighting spirit and positivity and helped the entire team to always keep pushing forward.

“We will never forget that memorable race win in Monza which was a great boost for the whole team.

“We still have an important battle in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of us for the remainder of the season and we look forward to battle this out with Daniel and Lando [Norris].”