Daniel Ricciardo has "clarity" over his McLaren future after clear-the-air talks with chief executive Zak Brown.
The McLaren tsar was not in Monaco for the last Formula 1 race two weeks ago, instead preferring to be further north in Le Mans that weekend. But he would no doubt have been watching from afar as Lando Norris secured more valuable points – but Ricciardo once again had another weekend to forget.
He failed to score points for the sixth race out of seven, with his eight points for the campaign all coming at his home race in Melbourne. A struggle to be competitive in his second season with the team had Brown admitting publicly that the Australian had "not met his or our expectations".
The McLaren chief went on to say Norris has an "edge" over Ricciardo, and that there are "mechanisms" in place which could lead to both team and driver mutually ending their partnership early if the poor results continue. Those comments have led to much speculation over the racer's future with the team and in F1.
Asked if he had spoken with Brown since Monaco, Ricciardo revealed that they had caught up and that the conversation had provided "clarity" going forward and ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. "We've spoken, we've had a catch-up, but nothing needed to be elaborated on," said the 32-year-old.
"The clarity is there for us moving forward, my contract is clear with the team for next year, I'm fully committed, I've certainly voiced that. Obviously now, it's [about performing] on track, and showing these moments, these races I know I'm capable of, and I do truly believe I have the full support of the team, and we want to do it together."
On those public comments from Brown, the Australian added: "I wasn't surprised. I've maybe become a little immune to the media, with being in the sport for so long. We do more and more as we go through the years.
"I don't really take it for its full value or worth, and some things are taken out of context, so I'm not really one to go into it, read too much and try and understand it. At the end of the day, I know the facts between us and what I have with the team. Simply, I don't get caught up. So I guess I'm not surprised with anything these days."
