DAN’S THE MAN UNDER PUMP
McLaren boss Zak Brown is planning for life after Daniel Ricciardo, admitting three drivers are on his radar amid plans to meet with the Australian about his future at the end of the year.
While Brown insists “there is no rush” when it comes to making a decision on Ricciardo’s future with McLaren, he confirmed the team plan to assess the situation at the end of this year with the Australian contracted until the end of 2023 and still not fully comfortable with the race car.
Ricciardo has struggled for pace in the four events this season, with a sixth place result in Melbourne his best performance.
But of far more concern is the distance he remains behind teammate Lando Norris.
The young British driver has a long-term deal but the Australian’s future is very much the talk of pitlane as he remains unsettled in the car and yet to realise his full potential at McLaren.
It has been F1’s return to the US which prompted speculation about Ricciardo’s future, with McLaren having IndyCar duo Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta already on their books, while 15-year-old American Ugo Ugochukwu has created interest in the British Formula 4.