Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert killed in crash
What's the story
It's a sad day in the world of motorsport after Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert was killed in a car crash at the Belgian Grand Prix. The news was confirmed by motorsport's governing body the FIA. The 22-year-old was taken to the medical centre after the incident but died shortly thereafter. The F2 race has been cancelled. Here's more.
Happenings
Hubert suffered a huge impact from Juan Manuel Correa's car
The Frenchman went on to suffer a huge impact from the car of Juan Manuel Correa at about 170mph at the Raidillon swerves. Reports confirmed that Correa is in stable condition in hospital after surgery for fractured legs and a minor spinal injury. Correa had been transported to hospital in Liege and is now in the Intensive Care Unit.
Accident
How did the accident happen?
The accident occurred on lap two of the F2 feature race on Saturday. 20-year-old Trident Racing driver Giuliano Alesi lost control of his car at Eau Rouge. Hubert went off while trying to avoid damage at Raidillon. However, his car was then hit at high speed by Sauber Junior Team driver Correa. The race was stopped after the crash.
Twitter Post
WATCH: How the crash unfolded?
RACE TRAGEDY F2 driver Anthoine Hubert dies in tragic crash at Belgian GP
— ofpolitics (@ofpolitics1) August 31, 2019
#Motorsport #antoinehubert pic.twitter.com/4dczIQ09Qo
Statement
Correa's media team releases statement
Correa's media team released a statement saying, "A victim of an accident that happened in front of him, Correa had no place to go and made contact with a fellow competitor's stopped FIA Formula 2 car. Suffering fractures to both of his legs and a minor spinal injury, Correa underwent surgery and is resting in intensive care."
Gone too soon
Hubert was a promising talent in F2
Hubert, who drove for the BWT Arden team, was eighth in the ongoing championship and had scored two wins this season, in Monaco and France. He was also part of Renault F1's young driver programme. Renault issued a statement saying, "He was a huge talent who also brought great energy and positivity to his championship, his teams and the Renault Sport Academy."
Quote
'His smile and sunny personality lit up our formidable group'
"His smile and sunny personality lit up our formidable group of young drivers, who had formed tight and enduring bonds. His strong results in F2 this season, inspired not just the other recruits but also the wider Renault Sport Racing group," the statement added.
Our take
Element of risk is always involved in motorsports
The incident has left everyone stunned in the world of motorsports. Several drivers from across the fraternity and teams paid tribute to Hubert on social media outlets. Motorsport comes in with its risk and despite modern day safety standards and equipments, there is always a threat looming. When cars are driven over 100mph, the element of risk is always looming. Drivers embrace that.
Twitter Post
Verstappen on the tragedy
Absolutely shocked by the tragic accident of Anthoine Hubert. Terrible. My thoughts are with him and his family, friends, team and loved ones. #F2 pic.twitter.com/NzLTSfqmqT
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) August 31, 2019
Twitter Post
Hubert will never be forgotten
We are devastated by the news of Anthoine Hubert's tragic passing
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 31, 2019
All our thoughts are with his family and friends
He will never be forgotten pic.twitter.com/IJtA9hyJNw