The Spa-Francorchamps circuit has been one of the most popular races on the Formula 1 calendar; not only fans but even F1 drivers have adored the scenic track. The weather at Spa has been unpredictable ever since it opened. The Belgian Grand Prix had seen continuous rain for twenty consecutive seasons at one point in its history. Drivers often encounter stretches of the track that are rainy and slick, while other sections are clear and bright.
Back in 2019, in the F2 race at Spa, French driver Anthonie Hubert lost his life in a horror accident. The GP3 champion was the first in the F2 standings and on the track to be a F2 champion too. F1 drivers witnessed the crash on the screen while giving their interviews as the race was held after the qualifying session on a Saturday.
Pierre Gasly’s heartfelt tribute to Anthoine Hubert, Dilano van ‘t Hoff in Belgium
Formula One heads back to Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix. It has been pushed up to be the last race before the summer break in the 2023 reshuffle.
The Belgian circuit remains one of the most dangerous tracks on the F1 calendar due to the unpredictable conditions and the high-speed layout. Pierre Gasy has now organized a unique run to honor the late racing drivers Anthoine Hubert and Dilano Van ‘t Hoff, who died on the track in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
The French driver has invited all Formula One, Formula Two, and Formula Three personnel. A fellow driver of Anthonie’s, Juan Manuel Correra also joined after recovering from breaking both his legs as he too was involved in the crash.
The whole grid ran on the historical Belgian circuit to honor the late Anthoine Hubert in the heavy rain, who died in an F2 incident in 2019. A special moment would also be given to memorialize Dilano Van ‘t Hoff, 17, who died a few weeks earlier at Spa-Francorchamps.
Hubert crashed to his demise in Spa
On the second lap of the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa circuit, driver Giuliano Alesi wrecked at the Radillon turn, resulting in a punctured tyre. Several cars behind Alesi braked, but Hubert couldn’t, as he was blind-sighted, and went to collide with one of the slower cars.
He was sent into the barrier and was then hit by Juan Manuel Correa, who drove into Hubert’s cockpit at 160 mph. Both Hubert’s and Correa’s cars were shattered in the collision. After the spine-chilling accident, both drivers were quickly attended to and handed over to the medics, but salacious Hubert was declared dead at 18:35.
The FIA didn’t hold anyone or anything responsible for the death. Anthonie had supported Gasly when he was demoted from Red Bull and had texted him “prove them wrong” just before the race; which hit Pierre hard. The Ferrari driver went on to get his first F1 career win the day following the accident and dedicated the win and race to the late 22-year-old.
