McLaren Set To Replace Daniel Ricciardo with F2 Phenom Oscar Piastri in 2023

It’s a sad day for party shirt wearers everywhere, as Daniel Ricciardo is seemingly without a home for the 2023 Formula One season. Piastri, who was the 2021 F2 champion, was initially rumored to replace the Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso for Alpine, his current team, next year. 

However, in an incredible turn of events, the 21-year-old wunderkind released a personal statement saying he will NOT be racing for Alpine in 2023. Pistari is signed through 2022, but the FIA’s contract recognition board has already approved Pistari’s contract with McLaren in 2023, so he is well on his way to joining Lando Norris in orange.

While this is great for Pistari, it is terrible for Ricciardo. There is no doubt that Ricciardo has struggled these last two seasons and a move was imminent–but it coming like this is tough to swallow. 

So far this year, Ricciardo has only finished in the points four times–and the best he’s done is eighth. That being said, there is no doubting his legacy, as only five drivers in the last decade have scored more wins than the Aussie in F1 (Hamilton, Vettel, Verstappen, Rosberg, Bottas). 

It’s unsure as to where Ricciardo will land in 2023, but here’s to hoping he can land a spot soon.