Max Verstappen, a former colleague of Daniel Ricciardo’s, and Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time World Champion, have both offered their sympathies to the Australian after it was announced that Ricciardo will depart McLaren at the end of 2022.

Following the announcement of Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from McLaren, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton both stated their expectation that he would stay in Formula One.

Following days of rumours, it was officially announced prior to the Belgian Grand Prix weekend that Ricciardo and the Woking-based team had opted to mutually terminate the Australian’s 2023 contract early, with Ricciardo scheduled to leave the squad at the conclusion of 2022.

As promised, Ricciardo will reveal his plans for the future, and Verstappen, a former colleague, may appreciate how things have developed.

“For Daniel, I think he was in a situation where the car was not suiting him,” Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365.com.

“There was no real improvement of him feeling better in the car. And then at one point I guess [the driver and team] talk to each other, and say to each other, ‘Maybe it’s better that we both pursue different directions’. That’s how it goes sometimes.”

Verstappen wants Ricciardo to continue in Formula One

Although Ricciardo’s future plans are presently unknown, Verstappen is optimistic that the 33-year-old, with whom he shared a car at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018, will be on the grid in 2019.

“He’s great to have in Formula 1,” the Dutchman said.

“He’s a great guy, first of all. I get on really well with him, so I hope he finds a place but, of course, it’s up to him now.

“I don’t know where he wants to go or where there is space for him.”

Hamilton expresses his backing for Ricciardo

Verstappen and Hamilton have both expressed their support for Ricciardo.

Despite having eight triumphs to date in his Formula 1 journey, the Mercedes driver thinks that Ricciardo still has “much to achieve” in the motor racing.

“It’s really unfortunate for Daniel, but I still think he deserves a place here in the sport,” Hamilton explained.

“So I really hope there’s somewhere great for him, because he’s still got lots to achieve.”

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