(Motorsport) It’s no secret that Daniel Ricciardo is having a poor Formula 1 season. The Australian has consistently underperformed in the McLaren, especially compared to Lando Norris and the subsequent speculation about his future with the legendary F1 team was inevitable, especially after McLaren signed IndyCar champion Alex Palou for 2023. Palou will be driving for Arrow McLaren in the IndyCar series but will also be testing the Formula 1 car alongside IndyCar star O'Ward and Colton Herta.

So where does this leave Ricciardo? The Australian took to social media to release a statement saying “There have been a lot of rumours around my future in Formula 1, but I want you to hear it from me. I am committed to McLaren until the end of next year and am not walking away from the sport. Appreciating it hasn't always been easy, but who wants it easy! I'm working my a** off with the team to make improvements and get the car right and back to the front where it belongs. I still want this more than ever. See you in Le Castellet. Daniel." 

Despite Ricciardo’s statement and his contract until 2023, McLaren have remained vague about the Australian's future, hinting at clauses in the contract that would enable the F1 team to get out of the deal early. As for Alex Palou, he is the second IndyCar champion to have signed with McLaren and the team have also confirmed Alexander Rossi. Palou’s current team Chip Ganassi Racing issued a controversial statement announcing that they will be exercising the option to keep the driver but the Spaniard refuted the claims on social media. 

Palou said “I have recently learned from the media that this afternoon, without my approval, Chip Ganassi Racing issued a press release announcing that I would be driving with CGR in 2023. Even more surprising was that CGR's release included a 'quote' which did not come from me. I did not author or approve that quote. As I have recently informed CGR, for personal reasons, I do not intend to continue with the team after 2022. This evening's unfortunate events aside, I have great respect for the CGR team and look forward to finishing this season strongly together.”

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