Pierre Gasly enters the Belgian Grand Prix weekend deeply moved as he recalls the tragic loss of his close friend Anthoine Hubert at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The Alpine driver shared that he carries
“images in my head that I would rather never have seen,”
but he aims to channel these painful memories into motivation during the race weekend, demonstrating the complex mix of grief and determination tied to his Spa history.
The Dangerous Legacy of Spa’s Raidillon Corner
Spa’s famous Raidillon section has been the site of fatal accidents involving young racing talents in recent years. In 2019, Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert died at age 22 following a severe multi-car crash on a rain-soaked track. Just four years later, in almost identical weather conditions, Dutch driver Dilano van ’t Hoff also lost his life at Spa, highlighting the persistent dangers that make this circuit both revered and feared among competitors.
A Tradition of Honoring Hubert’s Memory
Having grown up racing alongside Anthoine Hubert, Gasly maintains a heartfelt tradition of remembering his late friend. Each visit to Spa involves Gasly organizing tribute runs and laying flowers at Hubert’s memorial site, acts that pay respect to their shared history and the bond between drivers. These gestures provide a way to keep Hubert’s memory alive within the racing community and personal to Gasly himself.
Conflicted Feelings Toward a Beloved Circuit
Gasly describes Spa as one of his favorite race tracks, especially recalling his first win in Formula 4 here, achieved in challenging wet conditions. He praises the circuit’s rhythm and unique flow that makes driving there special. However, he admits that his feelings have become complicated since experiencing tragic losses at this venue, stating that each return to Spa brings back memories he’d rather not have. Despite this, he resolves to transform those emotions into positive energy.
“But now it’s reality. I’m trying to use all these emotions that are a bit strange for me in a positive way and as a strength.” —Pierre Gasly
Recognizing the Wider Motorsport Family Impact
Gasly emphasizes that the remembrance of drivers like Hubert is crucial not only for the racers themselves but also for their families, who share in the sacrifices and risks of the sport. He highlights the close-knit nature of the motorsport world, where drivers across various levels—from Formula 1 to amateur racing—all understand the dangers they face. Losses ripple through the entire community, affecting relatives and the broader racing family alike.
“It’s important to remember that, to really promote respect between us and to remember that it’s a dangerous sport. We love it, but at the end of the day, it’s still a dangerous sport. It’s important that respect comes first between us.” —Pierre Gasly
Looking Ahead: Using Pain to Fuel Performance
As Gasly prepares to compete in the Belgian Grand Prix, his approach reflects resilience amid grief. By confronting difficult memories and honoring those who have passed, he seeks to find strength not only for himself but for his teammates and the entire motorsport family affected by tragedy. His determination to race at Spa carries forward the legacy of those lost while underscoring the intense emotions that come with competing at such a historic yet perilous track.