Daniel Ricciardo reveals details of F1 push for change in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Ricciardo reveals details of F1 push for change in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has carried out mass executions this year

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Tuesday 29 March 2022 15:30 Updated: 15:34

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Daniel Ricciardo has revealed details of F1's initiatives in the sport's bid to help instigate change in Saudi Arabia.

F1 returned to Jeddah for the second Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the weekend, and while the focus switched to the terror attack that took place on Friday, human rights issues were again discussed in the build-up to the event.

Notably, Saudi Arabia hit the headlines earlier in the month following the execution of 81 people in a single day, taking its total for the year to a reported 100.

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Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel led the way in December in denouncing the treatment of LGBTQ+ rights in the country when the sport arrived for its inaugural outing.

In light of the mass executions and asked if he was aware of some of the issues, McLaren driver Ricciardo replied: "We are aware of some of the situations when we come here.

"We are informed, but by coming here we also have the chance to create some change or have some positive influence as opposed to not coming here."

McLaren also playing a role

Ricciardo then stated that "F1 is doing a lot" to help address matters, noting that 40 per cent of the staff at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit were female, while 600 under-privileged kids visited the track on Friday "to be educated and inspired"

The Australian also highlighted the fact McLaren is working with Kaust [King Abdullah University of Science and Technology], the first co-ed university in the Kingdom, "to inspire and create opportunities".

Ricciardo added: "There is a positive impact we can have when coming here. We are still trying to do more and do our best to create that or influence that in a better way.

"Of course, we are aware of some of the issues but we are trying to create a good change or have a good impact from us being here. For now, that is all we can do."