Daniel Ricciardo calls for driver talks after 'mind blown' by US police shooting

Daniel Ricciardo

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Ricciardo calls for driver talks after 'mind blown' by US police shooting

Sports events have been postponed after shooting of Jacob Blake

Ian Parkes

Thursday 27 August 2020 19:56

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed to his mind being blown by the latest shooting by police of a black man in the United States that has led to numerous athletes boycotting sports events this week

The Renault driver has been a staunch supporter of F1's own protests that began in the season-opening race in Austria, and have continued despite the divide over the taking of a knee.

The incident on Sunday, in which Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by police in a town near Milwaukee on Sunday, has led to Ricciardo claiming it to be "heavy" and feeling dismayed.

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With matches in basketball, baseball and soccer in the US being postponed, and a high-profile tennis tournament being put on hold for a day, Ricciardo said: "I think seeing the other athletes take this sort of action shows the extent of what it means to everyone and how far it’s spreading.

“You keep hearing about these incidents. When’s it going to stop? When’s it enough? And it keeps seeming to happen and happen.

"So I think that’s why, in the sporting world, a lot of these athletes are now taking more drastic measures and boycotting and stuff like this.

“It’s getting pretty extreme, but I guess until there’s a change, you’re going to keep banging on the door till it falls down, if that’s the best way to say it."

Lewis Hamilton has confirmed he will not be boycotting this weekend's race in Belgium as he does not feel it will "have any effect".

Ricciardo, though, feels further talks are required within F1 to see what, if any, additional steps may need to be taken.

“We have to talk as a group here amongst our sport and the drivers, just have that conversation and see where everyone’s heads at, but it’s obviously still fresh. It’s devastating," added Ricciardo.

“I’m not one to read the news, to be honest, so when I do, like just now, you just shake your head in disbelief. I don’t know how it can keep going on.

"It still blows my mind but if there’s something we can do, of course, I think we will. Let’s try to do something, but we have to have that discussion.”

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