Anthoine Hubert dies in high-speed crash at Spa-Francorchamps F2 race
Spa Francorchamps, 31 August 2019: A pall of gloom surrounded the Belgian GP weekend activities and the Saturday turned out to be a dark day in motorsports as Renault Formula 1 Junior and BWT Arden team driver Anthoine Hubert passed away succumbing to his injuries following a serious accident in the FIA Formula 2 Championship race here on Saturday. The 22-year-old Frenchman is the reigning GP3 champion.
After the high-speed crash involving three drivers, the Formula 2 Feature Race was red-flagged and later cancelled after just two laps.
Many cars were caught up in a crash at Raidillon, with Juan Manuel Correa hitting Anthoine Hubert at high speed after the Frenchman had already hit the barrier. Medical car and the crew reached the scene of the accident immediately.
Correa was taken to Liege hospital and is said to be in a stable condition in an FIA statement. Alesi has been released from the medical centre.
Indian driver Mahaveer Raghunathan was not involved in the crash. Mahaveer expressed his shock and deep condolences to the family and team of Hubert.
FIA confirmed the death of A Hubert. May his soul rest in peace.
FIA statement:
The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regrets to advise that a serious incident involving cars #12, #19 and #20 occurred at 17:07 on 31/08/19 as a part of the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race at Spa-Francorchamps, round 17 of the season.
The scene was immediately attended by emergency and medical crews, and all drivers were taken to the medical centre. As a result of the incident, the FIA regrets to inform that the driver of car #19, Anthoine Hubert (FRA), succumbed to his injuries, and passed away at 18:35.
The driver of car #12, Juan-Manuel Correa (USA), is in a stable condition and is being treated at the CHU Liège hospital. More information on his condition will be provided when it becomes available. The driver of car #20 Giuliano Alesi (FRA) was checked and declared fit at the medical centre.
The FIA is providing support to the event organisers and the relevant authorities and has commenced an investigation into the incident.
Statement from Otmar Szafnauer, CEO & Team Principal, Racing Point:
“It’s almost impossible to find the right words at moments like these, but we are all devastated to hear the tragic news from today’s Formula 2 race. Anthoine was a wonderful person and a tremendous racing talent who had already enjoyed great success in the sport. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and supporters.”
