As Formula 1 returns to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly carries with him once again the memory of a friend taken far too soon.
For Gasly, the Belgian Grand Prix is no ordinary race. It is a solemn annual reminder of the tragic events of 2019, when his childhood friend Anthoine Hubert lost his life in a horrific Formula 2 crash at the age of 22.
Gasly’s bond with Hubert ran deep, forged through years of racing together in their youth. The loss has left an indelible mark, and the Frenchman has made it a personal mission to honor his friend’s memory.
Each year, he organizes a run in tribute to Hubert and lays flowers at the very spot that claimed the young hopeful’s life. These acts of remembrance are not just for himself but for the broader motorsport community and the families who share in the sport’s highs and lows.
While Spa is considered by many as one of motorsport’s greatest circuits, Gasly heads into his weekend with a mix of reverence and sorrow.
“Images I would rather never have seen”
"It's definitely a mixed feeling coming back here every time,” Gasly said ahead of this weekend’s race. “I always said when I was a kid that it was my favourite track. It's where I got my first F4 victory, in the rain.”
Known for its majestic flow and high-speed corners, Spa remains a driver’s favourite, and Gasly is no exception.
“It's one of the most beautiful tracks. It's the kind of track with a lot of rhythm. In the car, there's a flow that's really unique to Spa.”
Yet, the circuit’s allure is forever altered for the Frenchman.
“Now, of course, with what's happened, every time I come back here, it's not the same,” he admitted.
“It's something that's unique to this place. It's a strange feeling.
“I can't say that on the one hand, it's a track I love, where I love to drive, and on the other hand, I know that whether I want to or not, every time I come back here, I have images in my head that I would rather never have seen.”
A Tribute to the Motorsport Family
Gasly’s commitment to commemorating Hubert extends beyond personal grief – it’s a recognition of the tight-knit motorsport family and the shared risks they face.
“For me, I think it’s very important,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re all part of the motorsport family. I think all drivers, whether in F1, F2, F3, or all professional and amateur drivers, realise the sacrifices and effort it takes to do what we do today.
The late Anthoine Hubert.
“We’re all aware of the risks we take. And in the end, it’s the drivers, but also the families, parents, brothers, sisters, etc., who are also part of this story. It’s a small family, everyone knows each other.
“When things like this happen, it’s a whole family, a sporting community that is affected and impacted.”
Gasly’s reflections underscore the duality of motorsport – a thrilling pursuit that demands respect for its inherent dangers.
“It’s important to remember that, to really promote respect between us and to remember that it’s a dangerous sport,” he added.
“We love it, but at the end of the day, it’s still a dangerous sport. It’s important that respect comes first between us.”
As Gasly prepares to navigate Spa’s sweeping corners this weekend, he carries Hubert’s memory with him, transforming his sorrow into resolve.
“But now it’s reality,” he said of the haunting images that linger. “I’m trying to use all these emotions that are a bit strange for me in a positive way and as a strength.”
For Gasly, racing at Spa is not just about chasing victory – it’s about honoring a friend, a family, and a sport that binds them all together.
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