McLaren boss Andreas Seidl has rejected claims Daniel Ricciardo could be axed from the team at the end of the season.
The Australian F1 star has experienced a rough first year with the English team following his uneventful stint at Renault, while teammate Lando Norris has outperformed the 32-year-old consistently, leading to rumours McLaren could cut ties at the end of the year.
Asked by reporters if Ricciardo’s place in the team next season was in doubt, Seidl said:
“No, not at all. First of all, we have a long-term commitment with Daniel.
“The speed Daniel is having and the experience here with us, we are working hard in order to, let’s say, make the next steps on his integration process.
“We’re looking forward to see these next steps together and then go into the next year as well.”
Rumours had linked George Russell with a move to McLaren saying he would be powered by a Mercedes power unit in 2022.
With Aston Martin, also powered by Mercedes, apparently a closed shop, some had leapt to the conclusion that Russell must therefore be McLaren-bound.
Fernando Alonso and Alpine confirmed that both sides had exercised a clause in the Spaniard’s contract that will see him remain with the French manufacturer next season.
Ferrari has a settled line up heading into 2022 and Red Bull looks set to renew Sergio Perez for a second season.
There is less certainty surrounding the likes of Alfa Romeo, Williams, and Haas, though both Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin are expected to remain with the United States-registered team.