Pierre Gasly, the French racing driver, has arranged a heartfelt tribute run at Spa-Francorchamps in honor of the late racing talents, Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van't Hoff. The Belgian Grand Prix, set to take place this weekend, holds a reputation for its high-speed nature, making it one of the most dangerous tracks on the F1 calendar. Unfortunately, it has witnessed the tragic deaths of Anthoine Hubert in 2019 and Dilano van't Hoff in 2023.
In a touching gesture, Gasly has extended an invitation to all personnel from Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3 to participate in this special run. The event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 27, at 6:30 pm local time on the start-finish straight of the historic circuit. Participants will be provided with unique 'Racing for Anthoine' t-shirts, making the tribute even more meaningful.
Anthoine Hubert's passing deeply affected Pierre Gasly, as the two were close friends for many years prior to the tragic accident that claimed Hubert's life. The French driver, who was promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2019 but later faced setbacks, received encouragement from Hubert, who sent him a motivating text message, "Prove them wrong," after his demotion to Toro Rosso. Regrettably, Hubert was unable to witness Gasly's triumphant victory at the 2020 Italian GP for the Red Bull sister team.
The friendship between Gasly and Hubert traces back to their karting days, and their bond remained influential in Gasly's life. To honor the memory of his late friend, Gasly has taken the initiative to organize this memorable run, also paying tribute to Dilano van't Hoff, who tragically lost his life at Spa-Francorchamps a few weeks ago.
The tribute run promises to be a historic and emotional spectacle, as the racing community comes together to remember the talented drivers who left us too soon. Fans and participants alike will gather at Spa-Francorchamps, creating a poignant and touching moment to commemorate the lives of Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van't Hoff.
We talked about Dilano in my last article, but let´s look into Antoine´s life!
Antoine Hubert, a bright young talent with immense potential, left an indelible mark on the racing world before his untimely passing at the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix. As Formula 1 returns to the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Pierre Gasly, a dear friend of Hubert, has announced a touching memorial event to commemorate the promising driver's life and legacy.
Antoine Hubert's journey began in Lyon, France, where he exhibited a natural affinity for racing from a young age. As he progressed through the ranks, his passion for motorsports intensified, driving him to excel in various racing series. His charisma, alongside his exceptional talent, made him a beloved figure among fans and fellow racers.
Hubert's relentless pursuit of success led him to Formula 2, the proving ground for future Formula 1 stars. With BWT Arden, he showcased remarkable growth, securing victories and earning respect from the racing fraternity. His performances earned him a place among the bright young stars, and the prospect of an eventual Formula 1 debut seemed inevitable.
Spa-Francorchamps, the majestic yet treacherous circuit, was where Antoine Hubert's fate took a heart-wrenching turn. On August 31, 2019, during a Formula 2 race at the iconic track, a devastating accident claimed Hubert's life. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the racing community, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of many.
Pierre Gasly, now an established Formula 1 driver, shared a close bond with Hubert. Their friendship extended beyond the racetrack, making Gasly's return to Spa a bittersweet experience.
On one hand, the excitement of racing at one of the most challenging circuits was undeniable. On the other, the haunting memories of his friend's tragic accident weighed heavily on his heart.
Gasly’s event aims to celebrate the life and legacy of the young driver, emphasizing the positive impact he had on those around him. It will serve as a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and sportsmanship that permeates the motorsports community.
Since Hubert's passing, the pursuit of safety in motorsports has been a priority for the FIA and racing teams alike. The tragic incident prompted a collective commitment to implementing improved safety measures to protect drivers on the track. Gasly's memorial event will also serve as a platform to raise awareness about safety and to unite the racing community in their efforts to make the sport safer for all.
As Formula 1 returns to Spa-Francorchamps, the memory of Antoine Hubert lingers, bringing a mix of emotions for Pierre Gasly and the entire racing community. Hubert's promising career was cut short, but his spirit lives on through the fond memories and inspiration he left behind. Gasly's memorial event serves as a beautiful tribute to a young talent who touched the hearts of many. As motorsports continues to evolve, the unwavering commitment to safety remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Antoine Hubert.
We wish the drivers safe weekend!
Till next time,
Nat Kika
Comentários