Formula One fans have not responded well to the news of Daniel Ricciardo‘s McLaren departure, taking to social media to defend the popular Australian.
McLaren confirmed Formula One’s worst kept secret on Wednesday, announcing that the 33-year-old would leave the team following the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Ricciardo delivered McLaren’s only race victory in 10 years after triumphing at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, but a disappointing 2022 – in which he has registered just four top 10 finishes – has seen the team wield the axe.
Formula One fans have blasted McLaren’s decision to part ways with Daniel Ricciardo
McLaren are lining up a swoop for Ricciardo’s fellow countryman, Oscar Piastri, but Formula One fans are still reeling from the Woking team’s decision and pointed out Lando Norris’ record – namely, that he has no victories after three years with the team – to suggest they’ve made the wrong call.
‘He was better than Lando Nowins (Norris) this is a robbery!’ one fan posted on Twitter.
‘He’s bigger than McLaren,’ another said. A third posted: ‘And now McLaren can go to hell with that Lando Nowins.’
The 33-year-old will leave the Formula One team after a disappointing 2022 campaign
He was outperformed by Lando Norris, although the Aussie has delivered a rare race victory
A fourth fan said: ‘He won more race than Norris, but this team just adore Lando and give Ricciardo s*** strategies. I think this is a good thing for him, he should go to a team who pick the better driver.’
‘Good, he’s bigger than McLaren,’ another fan posted. ‘They keep favouring flop of the season Lando for no reason.’
‘As an honest McLaren fan I am very disappointed!’ a sixth said. ‘We are letting our best driver and only race winner Daniel Ricciardo go.
Fans took to Twitter to defend Ricciardo and point out Norris has no wins in Formula One
‘He is way better than Lando Nowins and deserved better. I will no longer be supporting McLaren F1 team. Be ashamed.’
Another fan posted: ‘A real shame that it hasn’t worked out for him at McLaren. I really do hope that he stays in F1 and proves the doubters wrong. He’s still an excellent driver.’
Ricciardo is determined to stay in F1 in 2023, with the Australian linked with a stunning return to Alpine. Alfa Romeo, Haas and Williams are also options, with the three teams yet to lock in their second drivers for next season.