The driver changes are hotter than ever as the grid enjoys its summer break. It’s impossible not to dwell on the plot between Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren. At the same time, the Oscar Piastri and Alpine saga is the perfect storyline to fuel the fire. That said, Nitrobetting gets in-depth with the said narrative below.

Will Daniel Ricciardo Leave McLaren?

READ MORE: 2022 F1 Season Summer Break Storylines

Can the ex-Red Bull driver and McLaren find a compromise?

While Ricciardo has a year left on his contract with McLaren, the 12-time Drivers’ Champions and eight-time Constructors’ Champions are ready to talk numbers regarding his departure. His subpar season and a half since joining the team led to fractures in their relationship. It also doesn’t help that the apparent arrival of Oscar Piastri has been fast-tracked following Alonso’s signing with Aston Martin.

According to sources, Ricciardo asked for $21 million (USD) from McLaren to give up his seat next year, leaving less debris for his replacement’s arrival. Although the contract is ultimately up to the 33-year-old, his asking price is dependent on him then sitting out 2023 with no drive. On the other hand, if he were to sign with another team, the salary he would be paid by the team would then be returned to McLaren.

However, it’s unlikely that the number will end up being the final figure. We expect this to reduce one both sides find a middle ground.

Oscar Piastri’s impending arrival

Many believe Ricciardo has another airtight deal with McLaren until the end of 2023. But with the aforementioned materializing, the situation gave light to Alpine test driver Oscar Piastri joining the Woking-based team.

The current Formula 2 Champion honed his skills with the Alpine Driver Academy, leading everyone to pen his future with the French side. However, as the Formula 1 constructor announced his arrival for 2023, replacing a departing Fernando Alonso, the 21-year-old immediately denied the signing. He said that he has not signed a contract with the Enstone-based F1 team.

Given his situation as an impending rookie, Piastri’s comments suggest that he is headed in a different direction. This hints at a signing with McLaren, in place of Daniel Ricciardo. With both teams fighting to get the youngster’s attention, a legal dispute is likely coming to a head.

This is a sticky situation that resembles the Ferrari and Raikkonen, and the plot will definitely thicken as we inch closer to the remaining weeks of the season.

Where to Bet on F1 with Crypto

Formula 1 features a continuously growing betting market for veteran and novice punters. Motorsport lovers will get a kick out of our F1 odds selection, which features Drivers and Constructors’ Championship futures and outright winners of each Grand Prix.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more Formula 1 previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest sports betting odds at our crypto sportsbook.