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
Fernando Alonso will watch the opening practice session of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix from…
The Formula 1 paddock is always a swirling vortex of toxic rumors and hearsay, and…
Like father, like mother, like son! The Wolff racing legacy officially has its next generation…
On this day in 1986, Nigel Mansell celebrated a triumphant victory on his home turf…
The second seat at Red Bull Racing has long been considered a career-ender in Formula…
Adrian Newey has delivered a candid admission that lays bare one of Aston Martin's biggest…