Ricciardo wants "respect" for drivers after Hamilton Spa crash cheered

In his response to the "devastating" death of Anthoine Hubert in last Saturday's F2 race at Spa, Hamilton said on Instagram the dangers drivers face are often under-appreciated.

Ricciardo said he was less than impressed at the way fans cheered Hamilton going off, and thought it showed a lack of respect.

"Whether you like someone or not, it is not nice to cheer for someone's downfall or mistake," said the Renault driver.

"He [Hamilton] thinks the crowd assume the crash happens and we are OK or whatever, and it is not like that.

"Every time we go on track there is a risk and every time we do hit a wall, whether we are OK or not, it still plays something on your mind when you crash.

"Every time you go back to that corner, maybe there is something psychological there.

"So it does have an impact one way or the other, physically or mentally and I guess that is where he was coming from with that.

"I do agree with him. But it is also so hard because the fan, unless you race and put yourself in that position, they never experience what we do.

"It is just the nature of being a fan of a sport you don't compete in. It is hard to grasp or understand.

"All we can ask for is that if you are a fan, then be a true fan and respect what we do: not only the skill but also the risk."

Ricciardo said he had not experienced fans celebrating any incidents he had been involved in, adding such behaviour is more akin to children than adults.

"I don't wish it upon anyone and I only knew it happened with Lewis because I read that he said it had," added Ricciardo.

"Having rivals and whatever, yeah, you don't have to like every driver.

"But to behave like that, you would expect it from kids but not adults. You would hope they would behave better."