It’s been five years since the tragic death of Anthoine Hubert during the Formula 2 race at Spa-Francorchamps. The Frenchman was a close friend of Pierre Gasly, and since his passing, the Alpine driver has organized a memorial at the Belgian circuit during the Grand Prix weekend. Sadly, this year, two drivers are being remembered. Dutchman Dilano van’t Hoff also lost his life here last year following a horrific crash.
It’s Thursday evening, 9:30 AM UST. Everyone gathers on the straight stretch in front of the pit lane for the memorial. The large group consists of drivers, staff from various racing classes, and journalists. At that moment, there’s no distinction among them, creating a beautiful sense of unity. Especially since everyone is dressed in a dark blue Hubert memorial shirt.
Everyone, except for a group of boys in white shirts. They are clearly Dutch, and I approach them. One of them jokes about their poor condition for the long walk around the circuit, and we share a few laughs. Then I notice the tribute to Van’t Hoff on their shirts. “Oh, you’re friends of Dilano?” I ask. They nod, and a silence falls. They’ve come here specifically to remember their friend. Young boys in the prime of their life, just like Dilano was last year. It’s a moment that leaves you speechless.
Flowers and Tears
Gasly delivers a speech and expresses his gratitude to everyone participating. A group photo is taken of all the present drivers, followed by the starting signal. Whether running, cycling, or walking, we descend via La Source to Eau Rouge, where we then climb steeply back up to the spot where Hubert met his tragic end. Gasly lays flowers for his friend, and everyone takes a moment of silence.
The procession then continues to the site of the accident where Van ‘t Hoff met his fate. Besides his friends, the team members of MP Motorsport are also present. The founder of the Dutch racing team, Dick van der Wilt, is visibly moved. Understandably so, as this was never what he envisioned when he founded this training team.
I walk back to the media center and take one last look over Eau Rouge. Spa-Francorchamps is truly beautiful and impressive, but it also starkly illustrates the inherent dangers of motorsport.
