McLaren sees Vettel as possible Ricciardo replacement'

Ricciardo under pressure

Ricciardo is under a lot of pressure in 2022. After his debut season for McLaren in 2021 was somewhat disappointing, expectations were high for 2022. With a new car, Ricciardo would be starting from scratch like Lando Norris and that gave the eight-time race winner a good chance. In 2022, however, the gap to his teammate will be even greater than last season.

The rumour mill is therefore running at full speed. Ricciardo has a contract until 2023 at McLaren, but every contract has clauses. The Race knew to report that Ricciardo could end the deal early. The statement Ricciardo threw out is therefore also a sign that they can 'find a reason to fire me'.

Alternatives for McLaren

That McLaren are looking at other options is no secret. Pierre Gasly was an interesting option from the Red Bull camp, as were Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon. However, those three are already fixed for 2023. McLaren are also said to be interested in Sebastian Vettel, but he seems closer to retirement than a switch to another team. The question is also to what extent Vettel is an upgrade over Ricciardo, as the Australian won the duel with Vettel at Red Bull Racing in 2014.

Oscar Piastri and some IndyCar drivers (Colton Herta, Partricio O'Ward and Alex Palou) are being linked with an F1 seat at McLaren. However, Piastri is still tied to Alpine and of the IndyCar drivers, it remains to be seen whether any can really be an upgrade over Ricciardo.

All in all, Ricciardo's statement seems to state what McLaren is also starting to realise: there is not a much better alternative at the moment. As far as that is concerned, McLaren would be better off working on the MCL36, which is still far from top-notch, and revisiting the situation at the end of 2023. Then Ricciardo's contract expires and there may also be more candidates on the driver's market who are interesting for McLaren.