The FIA has confirmed that F2 racer and Renault Sport hopeful Anthoine Hubert has died from injuries sustained in Saturday's massive accident at Spa-Francorchamps.
The cancellation of Saturday's Formula 2 feature race in the immediate aftermath of the crash was unfortunately an ominous sign as everyone awaited news of the drivers' condition.
The horrendous crash occurred on the second lap of the race and started when Giuliano Alesi lost control of his car on the entry to Raidillon.
Drivers rushing up the hill were forced to take avoiding action, with Hubert unfortunately hitting the right side of the tyre wall before rebounding on to the track and into the path of the oncoming car of Sauber Junior Team's Juan Manuel Correa. The impact was devastating.
Both drivers were immediately taken to Liège's CHU Hospital, where Hubert succumbed to his injuries over an hour later. Correa was described as being in stable condition while Alesi, who had retired and exited his car at Les Combes, was released after a brief check-up at the track's medical center.
The talented 22-year-old Hubert who was supported by Renault had won twice in F2 this season, at Monaco and at Paul Ricard, and was seen as the next French hopeful in line for a seat in F1.
A laureate of the French F4 championship in 2013, Hubert raced in Formula Renault, in European Formula 3 and in GP3, winning the title in the later series in 2018 with ART, an achievement that earned him the full support of Renault.
Hubert was racing this season with BWT Arden, which is allied with the SportPesa Racing Point F1 team.
“It’s almost impossible to find the right words at moments like these," said Racing Point team principal and CEO Otmar Szafnauer in a press statement released after Hubert's passing was confirmed.
"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."
Following today's tragic events, the FIA Formula 2 series has cancelled Sunday's sprint race.
