Daniel Ricciardo is set to earn the highest salary of his career in 2023, despite not occupying a full-time Formula 1 seat.
Following two disappointing seasons with McLaren, Ricciardo was dropped by the Woking-based squad in favour of rookie Oscar Piastri.
Ricciardo is aiming to come back to the grid in 2024 and has returned to Red Bull for the 2023 campaign in a third driver role.
The Australian will help Red Bull develop its RB19 car as it looks to defend its championships next year, while he will also partake in commercial activities for the team.
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According to sportune.fr, he will pocket €2 million (£1.7m / $2.1m) for his role at the Red Bull team.
However, the biggest bulk of his pay will come from McLaren.
Ricciardo’s original deal with the team spanned three years – however as McLaren opted to cut short his contract, he is due compensation.
According to the report, this will come in at €21m (£18m / $22.2m) and combined with his Red Bull money, it will make for his highest yearly earnings to date.
Ricciardo was also reportedly due a pay rise in 2023 with McLaren, which was outlined in his contract.
However, the current situation is set to be cheaper for McLaren as it was less to buy out Ricciardo’s contract for 2023 and take on Piastri than it was to pay the original contract.
Piastri will join Lando Norris at the team next year, with the Briton entering his fifth F1 season with the Woking-based squad.
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