Formula 2 Driver, Anthoine Hubert, Killed in Crash
It’s a sad day for the world of motorsport as Anthoine Hubert, Formula 2 driver, was killed in a crash at the Belgian Grand Prix yesterday.
Suffering a huge impact from the car of Juan Manuel Correa, at speeds of around 170mph, at the Radillon swerves.
Anthoine Hubert was taken to the medical centre right after the incident took place and it was announced later in the afternoon that he had died at 18:35.
Juan Manual Correa is currently in intensive care following the accident however his condition is stable following surgery – suffering fractures to both his legs and a minor spinal injury.
Since the accident, Formula 2 have announced that Sunday’s sprint race at Spa has been cancelled – this out of respect for their driver.
The Formula 3 race will go ahead as will Formula 1.
Despite there being an improvement with the safety of the sport, motorsport in general will always have that element of risk involved.
About Anthoine Hubert
Anthoine Hubert was 22 years old and a part of Renault F1’s Young Driver Programme.
A reigining GP3 champion, he was currently eighth in the championship, having scored two wins this season in Monaco (pictured) and France.
Renault said the following in a statement: “Anthoine was a member of the Renault Sport Academy and raced in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, the final ladder to F1.”
“As reigning GP3 champion and as a member of the Equipe de France, FFSA (French Federation of Motorsport), the Frenchman was a huge talent who also brought great energy and positivity to his championship, his teams and the Renault Sport Academy.”
“His smile and sunny personality lit up our formidable group of young drivers, who had formed tight and enduring bonds.”
“With strong results in F2 this season, including wins on home soil – in Monaco and France, this inspired not just the other recruits but also the wider Renault Sport Racing Group.”
Racing drivers and teams from across the world of motorsport have paid tribute on social media – here’s some of the tributes from F1 drivers.
Lewis Hamilton: “This is devastating. God rest your soul Anthoine. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family today.”
Continuing: “If a single one of you watching and enjoying this sport thinks for a second that what we do is safe, then you’re hugely mistaken. All these drivers put their life on the line when they hit the track and people need to appreciate that in a serious way because it’s not appreciated enough – not from the fans nor some of the people actually working in the sport. Anthoine is a hero as far as I’m concerned, for taking the risk he did to chase his dreams. I’m so sad this has happened – let’s lift him up and remember him! Rest in peace brother.”
Fernando Alonso: “What a sad afternoon. I have no words. It hurts the heart. Rest in peace, champ”
Charles Leclerc also wrote a touching tribute on social media and below, you can see a photo of Leclerc with Anthoine Hubert’s mother today – at the circuit.
Antonio Giovinazzi also shared this tribute on Twitter: “We are boys who, with great sacrifice, chase their dreams. But we are first and foremost professionals. Anthoine was all this, but above all, he was one of us. At this terrible time, my thoughts are with his family and all the people who love him.”
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