Ricciardo is set to lose his McLaren drive for next year with current Alpine F1♔ junior Oscar Piastri in the frame 𝓀to be Lando Norris’ teammate.

The news comes after a series of announcements, triggered by Sebastian Vettel’s surprise retirement ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix and A﷽ston Martin quickly replacing him with Fern✤ando Alonso for 2023.

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Shortly after, Alpine announced Piastri as Alonso’s replacement but the 2021 F2 champion denied that h🔯e would be✤ driving for the French outfi🐼t next year, hinting that he had found another drive elsewhere.

However, Ricciardo’s contract runs until the end of 2023, with no escape clauses in his current contract, Speedcafe reports.

With the power 🐈on Ricciardo’s side🃏, McLaren might have to pay him off to terminate the contract a year early.

Speedcafe also reports that if Ricciardo is able to secure a drive for next year (should his McLaren contract be terminated), McLaren would be refunded whatever he earns with his ne🎀w team.

The Australian has been tipped to return to Alpine after spending two seasons with the Ens🔴tone outfit in 2019 and 2020.

Ricciardo enjoyed one of his best seasons in෴ F1 during his final year wܫith the team, finishing on the podium twice.

The Ricciardo saga is the crucial cog as 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历♓史:the 2023 F1 driver line-up takes shape.

He is reportedly paid £12.2m by McLaren for this season, making him the joint-fifth highest earner on 💟the grid.

Piastri case could end up in high court

Alpine team pri💃ncipal Otmar Sꦆzafnauer says the team could seek millions in compensation if Piastri refuses to drive for the team.

Alpine has already been in contact with the F🅺IA’s contract recognition board but may take it one step further.

“Going to the High Court is over 90% certain that's what we'll do,” he told Reuters.

“If the CRB says 'your licence is only valid at Alpine', and then he (Piastri) says 'that's great but I'm never dr🍃iving for them, I'll just sit out a year', then you've got to go to the High Court for compensation.”