In the Eternal Racing tracks series we remember drivers who have made a significant impact on motorsport and their rules and regulations. Today we remember Anthoine Hubert.
The Belgian track Spa Franchorchamps is a highlight on the calendar for drivers and fans alike, with its mix of long straights and iconic corners such as La Source and Eau Rouge. Fans were eagerly awaiting the first race of the Formula 2 weekend, which is the final stage on the ladder to F1 and has seen the recent graduations of George Russell (Williams), Alex Albon (Red Bull) and Lando Norris (McLaren). However, the events that unfolded on Saturday 31st August 2019 are still difficult to comprehend for the Motorsport Community.
The second lap accident, which involved 5 drivers, thankfully unfolded out of camera shot and immediately saw the race red flagged and subsequently cancelled. Unfortunately, it was announced soon after the cancelation of the race that French driver Anthoine Hubert succumbed to his injuries, whilst fellow competitor Juan Manuel Correa remained in a serious condition in hospital. It was a dark day for the sport, but Formula 1 still went ahead with the race on the Sunday whilst F2 cancelled the whole weekend in tribute to Hubert. A minute’s silence was held before the race whereas a fan initiative saw a standing ovation from the crowd on the 19th lap, with number 19 being Anthoine’s racing number in F2. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who has also had to overcome the loss of F1 driver and close friend Jules Bianchi as well as his father in his career, dedicated his first F1 victory to Anthoine after winning from pole.
The thoughts of the motorsport community are with Anthoine’s family and his team BWT Arden, as well as Correa. Touching tributes were made on social media following Hubert’s passing;
Teammate Tatiana Calderon posted: “A true champion, an even greater person, you will always be in our hearts”
Toro Rosso driver Pierre Gasly stated “14 years of friendship, started racing together, then became friends, roomates, and classmates, we did all our childhood together”
In addition, Renault have also lost a promising starlet in their junior programme and Hubert was tipped to be joining French team ART for next season. ART ran the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Stoffel Vandoorne and George Russell to their junior titles. Whilst time is needed to mourn and heal, it is important to highlight what Anthoine achieved in his short career. He will always be the reigning GP3 champion after winning the series in 2018 and took two wins in his debut season in Formula 2 this year, including one on the famous streets of Monaco and home race at Paul Ricard. Not only was Hubert a successful racer, he was also “humble and a hard worker” according to Gasly and will be a huge loss in the paddock.
The passing of Anthoine is an untimely reminder that there are always risks and rewards in motorsport, and whilst we have become accustomed to drivers walking away from violent accidents and deaths are incredibly rare, they still happen. The accident is under investigation by the Federation of International Autosport (FIA) to see whether any improvements can be made. However, in the quest to ever increase the safety for drivers, the introduction of the Halo undoubtedly prevented injuries or worse to at least two drivers who were hit with debris at high speed. The Halo, a driver protection system involving a curved bar around the cockpit, was heavily criticised in its induction in 2018. However, the accident at Spa could have been even worse, and it is not the first time that this safety feature has saved drivers.
F1 and its support series F2 returned to Monza just a week after the events at Spa, which will no doubt be a sombre affair.
