Formula One finds have taken to social media to share their disbelief at reports Daniel Ricciardo
has been told by McLaren he will be replaced by compatriot Oscar Piastri next season.
Citing Australian sources close to the situation, the www.racingnews365.com
website reports that Ricciardo has been officially informed of his "de-hiring".
Meanwhile, Autosport says it understands Ricciardo had been told of McLaren's intention
to replace him with 21-year-old Aussie Piastri, who this week rejected a 2023
seat at Renault-owned Alpine, despite having a contract for next year.
McLaren are yet to comment on the story that has been dominating much
of the F1 headlines since the start of the August break.
Ricciardo has a contract until the end of 2023 and recently indicated
he had no intention of leaving the team, where he was determined to see out the deal.
team will have to agree to pay the Aussie driver out of his contract in order for him to walk away at the end of the season.