Daniel Ricciardo made McLaren F1 winners and it is how his two seasons should be remembered

Daniel Ricciardo to leave McLaren at end of current Formula One season

Daniel Ricciardo's time at McLaren will finish at the end of this season as he reportedly makes room for fellow Australian Oscar Piastri.

Ricciardo's move to McLaren promised so much but all too often produced disappointment and poor results.

Their partnership was never a good fit for either party.

McLaren could not produce a car that took advantage of Ricciardo's skills under braking, while Ricciardo could not adapt his driving style to match the performances of teammate Lando Norris.

But while many will look back on Ricciardo's time at McLaren as underwhelming, the man affectionately known as the Honey Badger did achieve the main goal — win.

Until Ricciardo arrived at the famed British team, they had not won a race since Jenson Button took victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2012.

Getting back to the top step of the podium is why McLaren signed Ricciardo — and the Australian delivered.

In Monza last year, Ricciardo showed his class and ability and grabbed that race victory that had eluded McLaren for nine years.

His drive that Sunday afternoon in northern Italy was terrific and proved what he can do if he is in a car that suits his style.

Ricciardo was quick in every session that weekend and during the race always looked like he was going to finish on the podium.

Daniel Ricciardo celebrates with the McLaren team after winning the Italian Grand Prix. (Pool via Reuters: Lars Baron)

When Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton crashed into each other mid-race, Ricciardo was left at the front to fend off the rest of the field.

He never flinched.

He used all of his experience and brilliance to bring home what was a historic victory for a historic team.

McLaren had a chance in the next race in Russia to grab a second win when Lando Norris was leading late.

But late rain fell and the inexperience of both Norris and the team led to them staying out on dry tyres, a move that cost them victory.

Without Ricciardo's poise and excellence in Monza, McLaren today would be facing the prospect of a full decade without a race win.

When other teams consider whether they will make a play for the Australian to join them in 2023, they will consider the struggle he has had over the past two seasons.

But those teams will also know that if the opportunity of victory is there — the Honey Badger will take it.