'Ricciardo can pave way for Paistri at McLaren'

Daniel Ricciardo holds the key to the Silly Season for 2023. According to The Race the Australian has the option to end his contract and that option seems increasingly likely.

It is no secret that Ricciardo and also McLaren had expected more from the partnership. Ricciardo had hopes of making the step up to the top and competing for the world title with this team, but the Woking-based team has yet to deliver. Ricciardo himself is also disappointing, because in duels with Lando Norris he has simply been two years short.

Ricciardo's contract at McLaren runs until 2023, but there is a clause in which Ricciardo can decide that enough is enough. Although the eight-time race winner is earning a hefty sum a year, The Race sees it as an increasingly likely option that the Australian will actually break his contract. He too had expected more from this and he sometimes walks around the paddock disillusioned.

McLaren already has an eye on the replacement. Oscar Piastri seemed to be on his way to Williams with a rental deal, but nothing has been signed yet, also because Alpine would hesitate to make a choice for 2023. It seems to be a formality that Fernando Alonso signs on, but as of yet, there is still no signature on paper. Williams therefore still has no clarity.

Because Piastri has no place at Alpine, he is free on the market and McLaren wants to join him. They see Ricciardo's compatriot as an ideal replacement. In doing so, they would also steal great talent from a competitor. A win-win situation. Whether the spot becomes vacant, however, is in Ricciardo's hands. He could possibly start again at Aston Martin with Sebastian Vettel probably leaving, or perhaps even fill the spot at Williams.