There was always something very inevitable about the now-confirmed Formula 1 split between Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren. The actual mystery is why they didn’t enjoy better results together – 2021 Italian Grand Prix victory notwithstanding. But the fact remains the vastly-experienced Aussie was constantly outperformed by Lando Norris in his two seasons since moving from Renault. However, I’m sure he’ll find a new home someplace – certainly with those eight F1 wins under his belt. His best option would be a return to the team now known as Alpine, following Fernando Alonso’s shock exit – but only if Oscar Piastri’s 2023 contract is ruled to be up for grabs as McLaren hopes. Ricciardo would also fit the bill at Haas, or even Alfa Romeo – and its Audi future – if Zhou Guanyu returns to the Alpine fold, where he was a junior driver previously. The silly season has some time to run yet! By: Charles Bradley, Global Editor in Chief Motorsport.com |