F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Spa circuit boss Nathalie Maillet killed in murder drama

Spa-Francorchamps general manager Nathalie Maillet was found dead at her home along with two other individuals early on Sunday morning, the victim of an apparent double murder and suicide.

The 51-year-old Spa-Francorchamps boss was reportedly at her home in Gouvy with a friend when both women were shot by Maillet's husband, Franz Dubois, who then committed suicide.

Dubois was also a well-known figure in the Belgian motorsport world, as a team owner and as one of the co-founders of the immensely popular VW Fun Cup series.

Maillet was the daughter of racing driver and a former racer in her own right on the national motorsport scene. She managed a reputed architect's office before taking the reins of Spa-Francorchamps as its general manager in 2016 with the aim of modernizing the circuit and its infrastructure.

Maillet was in the process of overseeing a significant multi-year overhaul and diversification plan of the legendary Ardennes track, that is set to include the return of motorcycle racing to Spa in the future.

"It is with great sadness that the team of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit have been informed of the death of Nathalie Maillet, CEO," read a statement from Spa.

"On this very sad day, the whole staff wish to present their most sincere condolences to Nathalie's family and friends.

"The circuit, but also motor racing, has lost today a passionate woman, strong in her convictions and always looking to the future."

The tragedy hit the news wires on Sunday morning as Spa-Francorchamps was hosting the finale of the Ypres Rally, the eighth round of the 2021 World Rally Championship.

Formula 1 will resume its season at Spa on August 29, with the Belgian Grand Prix.

Here at F1i.com, we would like to send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family of Nathalie Maillet and to all staff members of Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

13 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

14 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

15 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

17 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

18 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

19 hours ago