Ricciardo extends sponsorship deal despite career uncertainty

Daniel Ricciardo has extended a personal sponsorship deal with Singtel Optus for another two years, even as the Australian looks set to lose his seat at McLaren for 2023.

Ricciardo first partnered with Australian telecommunications firm Optus in 2020, with the company saying at the time that Ricciardo was a perfect brand ambassador, "as he radiates positivity and optimism".

Ricciardo's success in securing a new sponsorship deal stands in contrast to his struggles in the cockpit in 2022.

The Australian has just 19 points to 76 for teammate Lando Norris this year, and although McLaren currently have Ricciardo under contract for 2023, RacingNews365.com has learned that the team intend to release Ricciardo from his deal in order to replace him with highly-rated rookie Oscar Piastri.

Negotiations are currently ongoing as to the terms of the split, but RacingNews365.com understands that Ricciardo's camp are looking for a financial settlement in the region of $21 million.

Ricciardo still a big draw despite on-track struggles

Despite Ricciardo's recent travails on track, the Australian remains a highly marketable individual, and is one of Australia's top ten influencers on LinkedIn.

Ricciardo's presence in Netflix’s Drive to Survive series has contributed to him becoming one of F1's most popular figures.

The Australian has also featured on prominent American TV shows such as Ellen and The Daily Show, and is set to serve as Executive Producer on an F1-based series commissioned by the Disney-backed streaming service Hulu.