RICCIARDO CONSIDERED NOT RACING

Daniel Ricciardo considered not racing – Photo: Suttons Images

Aussie F1 ace Daniel Ricciardo seriously pondered if he wanted to race in the Belgian Grand Prix less than 24 hours after Anthoine Hubert was killed in a Formula 2 accident at the same Spa-Francorchamps circuit. He did race, of course, and finished 14th in his Renault that had been damaged in a first lap scrape with Lance Stroll.

By DAN KNUTSON

AUTO ACTION was there to hear what Ricciardo had to say after the Grand Prix. He was asked if there was a point where he thought he did not want to race.

“Last night absolutely,” he replied candidly. “You question is it really worth it? At the end of the day it is a simple question but a pretty honest one as well. It is our job and profession and our life, but also it is still just racing cars around in circles. So it gets to a point where you actually question it when you are reminded of these things – is it worth it?

“I certainly questioned it last night, but have a sleep and then seeing some of his family here today, that is what gave me more strength than anything else. How they could be here…I could not imagine being in their position, and I felt that they were a lot stronger than any of us today.”

Was it more sadness than fear for Ricciardo?

“Yes,” he said. “If you drive with fear then it’s best not to race. On the warm up laps that everyone does half an hour before the race, if I felt fear then I would not want to race. But it is just a sadness.”

“I’m glad that today is over,” Ricciardo added that Sunday evening. “I’m glad that the race is over. I know that weirdly enough the best way we can show our respect was to race today. But I don’t think that any of us actually wanted to be here or race.

“I am speaking for myself. But I’m sure I’m not the only one. It was certainly tough to be here and try and put on a brave face for everyone. A lot of people in the paddock are hurting after yesterday. Everyone is relieved that it is done. We move on from here and hopefully it is the last time that this stuff happens.”

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