Ricciardo on the danger of Formula 1: 'You can't think about it'

Motorsport is not without danger. Still, drivers, chasing their dreams, have to lose their lives at far too young an age as a result of an incident on the track. In recent years, there have been two fatal incidents at Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps. AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo is well aware of the risks, but should not think about them too often.

Speaking to GPblog and others, the Australian further discusses the consequences and risks of Formula 1. In 2019, talented Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert died after a crash at Spa. Four years later, on 1 July 2023, only 19-year-old Dutch Dilano van 't Hoff died as a result of a crash at the same circuit. As Formula 1 travels to the Belgian Ardennes, thoughts quickly turn to the tragic events earlier.

"As a race car driver, we're aware of this from a young age. We always know that the sport is still dangerous. I think it's gotten a lot safer over the years. But there is still some dangers. So it's something that we're aware of. But I think we've just kind of learned to live with it for so many years that it's there somewhere," Ricciardo said in a serious tone.

As difficult as it is, drivers can't think too much about the risk involved. "The truth is, as well as a driver, you can't really think about it. As I said you're aware of it. But you don't get in the car thinking about it. I think as well it's one of those sports where you can't really be one foot in, one foot out. In some ways driving the car closer to the limit is easier or safer or more how the car's meant to be driven than kind of being a little bit cautious."