The last decade has been tough for McLaren in Formula One. Only 10 years ago, the team was challenging for titles on all fronts and had an exciting roster. And yet, it took them nine years to get their first race win in F1.

The last decade has been tough for McLaren in Formula One. Only 10 years ago, the team was challenging for titles on all fronts and had an exciting roster. And yet, it took them nine years to get their first race win in F1.

Following the winless 2013 season, as well as a difficult start to life in the hybrid era in 2014 combined with a tough partnership with Honda regarding the engine, McLaren finally broke their drought of wins with former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo winning the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. McLaren had actually finished 1-2 in that race with Lando Norris also occupying the podium.

It was the eighth career win for the Australian in 11 years of competing in F1. However, he has failed to live up to the promise he showed when he was younger and at the end of this season, Ricciardo will leave McLaren a year earlier than his contract specified, after both parties agreed to sever ties to enable Oscar Piastri to race for the team in 2023.

The decision may seem harsh, and Ricciardo will be missed immensely in the McLaren paddock given the joyful personality he is on the grid. However, relationships cannot get in the way of rational decisions and speaking exclusively to Speedcafe and RacingNews365.com in Bathurst, McLaren CEO Zak Brown made it clear that although he will miss the Australian given that he adds a lot of value to F1, he cannot let that get in the way of what needs to be done.

“I think like everyone bummed he won’t be on the grid because he’s great for the sport and he wants to race,” said Brown

“You’ve got to deal with this in the way that you think is in the best interests of the team.

“Then we came to the conclusion that for whatever reason, it wasn’t working, and that we needed to make a change – which was very difficult. As a mate, he’s a great guy. But at the end of the day, we can’t make decisions based on who’s a mate and who’s not mate,” the McLaren boss further added.

Brown had secured the services of Ricciardo from rivals Renault (now known as Alpine) to partner Lando Norris in 2021. However, the expectations of podiums, points, and race win never really materialized into something concrete with the Australian struggling to get used to the MCL35M’s particular setup requirements.