Daniel Ricciardo, even if McLaren's F1 seat is stolen, "I have no grudge against Piastri"[F1-Gate.com]

Daniel Ricciardo says he feels no animosity towards fellow Australian Oscar Piastri despite being stripped of his McLaren F1 seat.

Although there has been no official announcement from McLaren and the F1 Contract Approvals Commission lawsuit involving the Alpine F1 team is still pending, a deal negotiated by manager Mark Webber will see Oscar Piastri racing for McLaren in 2023. seems to be ready to

The opportunity to win Oscar Piastri has led McLaren to agree to end Daniel Ricciardo’s contract a year early at the end of the season.

Nevertheless, Daniel Ricciardo said it was “just business” for Oscar Piastri and his manager Mark Webber to move to secure the vacant McLaren F1 seat.

“Honestly, I don’t know yet what the future holds for the Oscars,” said Daniel Ricciardo.

“But I mean, on those terms, it’s just a business. Of course Mark is just doing his job for Oscar. So I’m not thinking about anything personal. Oscar. Assuming … I think he’s guaranteed a spot on the grid somewhere next year.”

“So I support him and I support my fellow Australians. Nothing personal.”

Daniel Ricciardo says he has not been in contact with Oscar Piastri’s campaign in recent weeks.

“Did you hear anything from him? No, I don’t think there was any reason for him to contact me.”

“I’m sure they’re looking into theirs too. Of course, I’ve been trying to sort myself out.”

Daniel Ricciardo’s confirmation on Wednesday that he would be leaving McLaren sparked a backlash on social media, especially among fans in Australia.

Asked if he had a message for them, Ricciardo said: “Well, I’m not saying don’t support me! People will be emotional about the decision, but that’s business. “

“Like I said, Mark is trying to find one for the Oscars and has work to do for him.”

“This is the kind of place. It’s a sport and a business at the same time, so if you want to, you have to put yourself first. That’s it.”

“It’s definitely not the result I wanted. And when I joined the team, I had a very different idea of what was going to happen. But this is the reality.”

“Obviously, that was where Zak[Brown]and the team felt they should go.