2022 lineup (current championship standing): Lando Norris (7), Daniel Ricciardo (12)
2023 drivers under contract: Norris, Ricciardo (maybe), Oscar Piastri (maybe)
What we know: Norris signed an extension earlier this year that will keep him with McLaren through at least 2025. Ricciardo has a contract for the 2023 season and has repeatedly said he plans to honor the deal. Still, rumors persist that the two sides are not on the same page and Ricciardo may be bluffing to force a better buyout.
McLaren is stuck in the middle of the mess at Alpine and may have even caused it. According to ESPN, Piastri has signed a contract with McLaren for 2023 which is why he says he won't race for Alpine. It also means McLaren has three drivers under contract for next season. Motorsport.com reports that McLaren has signed Piastri to a reserve driver role and told Ricciardo that they intend to replace him with Piastri once his contract is settled.
If a divorce settlement can't be reached between McLaren and Ricciardo, another option could be to keep him as the backup driver in 2023.
Several other young drivers have been linked to Ricciardo's seat for either 2023 or 2024, including IndyCar drivers Pato O'Ward (already drives for McLaren), Colton Herta (recently test drove for McLaren), and Alex Palou (signed to join McLaren in 2023).