Pierre Gasly's heartfelt pain still lingers at Spa

40

One year on from the tragic passing of his friend Anthoine Hubert, the sorrowing pain still lingers for Pierre Gasly.

Among those in F1 who knew and raced against the young Renault driver who died at Spa a year ago, Gasly was the closest to Hubert, the pair having grown up together in the ranks of karting and shared a flat together as they embarked on their respective career in motorsport.

As he walked the track this morning at Spa, the AlphaTauri took a moment alone at the top of the hill at Raidillon to lay a few flowers at the spot where his close friend perished, and to honour his memory.

"Still can’t believe it...," Gasly wrote on social media. "We miss you, I miss you Tonio.

"I hope we make you proud from up there. Forever in our hearts bro."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.