Verstappen on Ricciardo departure: "Sometimes it's just like that, it's normal"

Daniel Ricciardo seemed assured of a spot in Formula 1 for 2023, but his contract termination at McLaren means the Australian must look for a new team. Max Verstappen hopes that his old teammate can find a place. The reigning world champion also talks about Fernando Alonso and his choice for Aston Martin.

Verstappen speaks in conversation with Motorsport.com Verstappen speaks of an 'interesting' transfer summer. Sebastian Vettel set the whole thing in motion by announcing prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix that he was hanging up his helmet. Not long after, Alonso signed his contract with Aston Martin, Oscar Piastri refused the vacant seat at Alpine and Ricciardo's contract for 2023 was ripped in two.

Ricciardo out of place at McLaren

Ricciardo seems to be the head of the jute. Verstappen thinks it is a pity that the driver from Perth did not succeed at McLaren. The Dutchman thinks that the MCL36 does not suit 'The Honey Badger'. "That hasn't really improved in the last few months and then at a certain point you start talking and say 'maybe it's better if we both go another way'. That's just how it goes sometimes, that's normal," Verstappen said.

Many fans do not understand why Alonso turned down a new contract with Alpine to move to Aston Martin, the current number nine constructors' car. In terms of rankings it is a big step backwards, but owner Lawrence Stroll's team has sky-high ambitions. According to Verstappen, Aston Martin is also bringing in a lot of new people, so in the Dutchman's view it's not surprising that Alonso has decided to take on the challenge.

Aston Martin wants to break through

The British team wants to seriously attack the top teams in the next two years and with Alonso it thinks it has contracted the right driver. It is likely that Lance Stroll will drive the other Aston Martin car in 2023. The signatures have not yet been added, but the chances of Stroll Sr. kicking his own son out of the door do not seem likely.