Spa-Francorchamps has evolved into more than a historic racing circuit; it has become a sacred site of remembrance within the motorsport world. This transformation was catalyzed by the tragic death of Anthoine Hubert in 2019. Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix this year, the racing community gathered for a deeply moving event to honor both Hubert and Dilano van’t Hoff, who also perished on the same track in 2023. This F1 tribute race for Anthoine Dilano brought together drivers, engineers, mechanics, and journalists united in memory rather than rivalry.
The Commemorative Event and Community Solidarity
Organized by Pierre Gasly, a close friend and colleague of Anthoine Hubert, the tribute saw participants running together wearing shirts emblazoned with Racing for Anthoine. Although only Anthoine’s name appeared on the shirts, the event’s social media posts explicitly honored both young drivers, emphasizing solidarity and remembrance. The shared videos, posted through Alpine, F1, and Gasly’s own channels, illustrated a community bound by a shared purpose beyond competition, striking a powerful chord among fans and professionals alike. Comments reflected this spirit, with admirers expressing sentiments such as:
“Gasly is such a nice person,”
—Fan
“The guy with a big heart,”
—Fan
“Forever in our hearts.”
—Fan
The Tragic Incidents at the Same Circuit
Dilano van’t Hoff’s accident occurred during a rain-affected race under poor visibility conditions. His car stopped across the track and was subsequently struck at a right angle by another vehicle, resulting in a fatal crash. The heartbreaking parallel to Anthoine Hubert’s fatal accident three years earlier intensified the sense of loss throughout the motorsport community.
In Anthoine’s case, after trying to evade the aftermath of Alesi’s crash, he lightly touched Boschung’s slowing car, lost control, and collided violently with the tire barrier. The force caused his car to bounce back onto the track, where it was struck at high speed by Juan Manuel Correa’s vehicle. Although Correa survived the crash, the emotional impact on the community remains profound.
Anthoine’s funeral took place on September 10, 2019, attracting numerous prominent motorsport figures. The memories of both Anthoine and Dilano continue to resonate across Spa-Francorchamps, where moments of silence are observed regularly to honor their lasting legacy.
The Enduring Impact and Legacy on Motorsport
The commemorative event at Spa-Francorchamps signifies how deeply the motorsport community values remembrance and togetherness in the face of tragedy. By coming together to honor Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van’t Hoff, drivers, teams, fans, and journalists reinforce a commitment to safety and respect. This F1 tribute race for Anthoine Dilano not only preserves the memory of two talented young drivers but also strengthens the bonds between those who share a passion for racing and the risks it entails. As the community looks ahead, such gatherings serve as solemn reminders of the sport’s human side amid its high-speed thrills.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado selected #13 when the permanent number system was introduced in 2014. While some cultures see 13 as unlucky, F1 lets drivers pick their numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have greatly influenced his personal and professional life. His journey changes our understanding of success in Formula 1 and highlights the importance of acknowledging learning differences.
Q. Is the number 13 banned in F1?
A. Rules for F1 Driver Numbers: Every F1 driver can pick a permanent number from 2 to 99, except for 17, for their career in F1 racing.