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Goble says respect is earned, not given

20.11.2020 - During a lull in his F3 Africa event at Kyalami, John Goble was asked about the recent press involving Alex Keister. "Look, I'm just a teenager myself. I get the enthusiasm. But he needs to understand that respect is this sport isn't automatic. It's earned.

"We've all been that hotshot kid who thinks he's destined for great things. Hell, to an extent, I still am. But the greater community doesn't care what you think about yourself. For most drivers, they are treated by the community as a nobody until they show that they belong.

"I learned in my karting days that showing you belong, and earning the respect of your peers, takes three things: your actions, your words, and success on the track. And you need all three, not just one or two. Now, I may have the name recognition courtesy of my uncle who retired from Formula 1, but that hasn't meant an easy ride for me. Far from it, I still had to earn, and in fact am still earning, my own place in this sport the same way as anyone else. And Keister needs to understand that and focus on doing that."

A reporter asked, "Are you saying that Keister should shut up and drive?"

Goble responded. "I wouldn't be so caustic with my words, but in terms of the general idea, yes."