Remembering Anthoine
Almost one year on, Formula One is back in Spa Francorchamps where last year the sport stood still for Anthoine Hubert. On the 31st of August 2019, Anthoine Hubert sadly passed away after suffering a fatal crash in a Formula 2 feature race. This week in at the Belgian Grand Prix the sport and many of its fans remember Anthoine.
Pic: Kartxpress.com
Anthoine Hubert was a talented driver, winning GP3 in 2018 and 2 races in his first season in Formula 2. Hubert was a member of the Renault driver academy and had been showing great skill in his maiden season.
The weekend is one that will stay with many forever. Anthoine touched many people and had a great impact on their lives. Many drivers grew up racing with Anthoine and have paid tribute to him this weekend.
Pic: Autosport.com
Pierre Gasly, who has been a close friend of Anthoine since childhood, has dedicated a beautiful helmet to him this weekend. The helmet features photos and memories of the two growing up together and the number 19 of Anthoine’s car. Pierre laid flowers in memory of Anthoine on Thursday. Gasly stated to SkyF1 the impact that the devastating weekend had on his life “It was probably the toughest moment last year because it was already quite a difficult time for me, with changing teams from Red Bull to Toro Rosso, and other things happening as well”. The frenchman also stated that he hopes to do his childhood friend proud this weekend.
Pic: @PierreGasly on Instagram
George Russel has dedicated a helmet to Anthoine this weekend. Russel, another F1 driver who grew up racing with Anthoine in junior leagues, tweeted “One year on. We’ll all be racing for you Anthoine. We will miss you mate!!”
Pic: @GeorgeRussell63 on Twitter
Charles Leclerc who dedicated his first win in Spa to Anthoine last year has said “The Spa-Francorchamps circuit has a special place in my heart. While it is here that I took my first win, it is also where we lost our friend Anthoine last year”. The Ferrari driver stated in a tweet that “I’ll be racing for him this weekend”.
Pic: independent.co.uk
Many other drivers have paid tribute to Anthoine on this very thought weekend. One of the most important tributes we have seen this weekend was Juan Manuel Correa’s return to Spa in memory of Anthoine. Juan Manuel was severely injured in the horrifying crash in Spa last year. Correa suffered injuries to his lungs and right leg, spending two weeks in a coma after the accident. Juan Manuel mentioned how it was important for him to visit Spa this year “ I felt there was a way for me to kind of close the chapter, but more importantly to pay my tribute to Anthoine”. We are in awe of Correa’s bravery and we wish him well in his recovery.
Pic: F1.com
A minutes silence will be held in memory of Anthoine before Formula 2’s feature race today and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
The number 19 of Anthoine Hubert’s car will be integrated into a logo that all cars in F1, F2 and F3 will display this weekend.
We send nothing but love and strength to Anthoine’s family, friends and fans one year on. We hope that this weekend will be full of amazing tributes to an amazing driver that the world lost too soon.
Sach & Soph x