Pierre Gasly about Spa: “I have experienced the worst emotions of my life here.”
The Alpine driver told journalists in Spa that this Grand Prix is still difficult for him after the death in 2019 of his close friend Anthoine Hubert, during an F2 race.
On Thursday in Spa, Pierre Gasly initiated a running race in tribute to Anthoine Hubert, a former French driver tragically lost in 2019. All F1, F2, and F3 staff members were invited to participate and climb the Raidillon, the location of the F2 driver’s accident four years ago. His teammate Esteban Ocon, as well as F2 drivers Victor Martins and Jack Doohan, were notably present. It was an occasion for Gasly, Anthoine’s close friend, to reminisce on precious memories. In an emotional statement to journalists, the Frenchman shared his feelings towards this initiative and his connection with Anthoine.
“We started discussing this race at the beginning of the season,” revealed Gasly. “Everyone knows how close I was to Anthoine, and I think they also know how close he was to the team. He has been an integral part of our academy and team for a while.”
It is with deep affection that Gasly evokes the relationship he had with Hubert. “It was a shared desire to organize this event to remember him. This was planned long before the tragic incident that occurred recently, a few weeks ago,” he added, referring to the death of Dilano Van’t Hoff at Spa, in the Eau Rouge turn, during a FRECA race.
For Gasly, this commemorative race holds a special meaning as it brings together the entire motorsport community. “It’s a small event, even though it’s just a race, but it brings together everyone who is part of Formula 1, whether it’s F2, F3, and all those who are part of this great racing family. We remember the great talents we have lost far too soon,” he explained.
The initiative to honor Anthoine Hubert has been of great importance for Gasly and his team. “It was important for me, and it was also important for the team. I am happy that we managed to organize this event”, he said.
An emotionally challenging circuit
However, Gasly doesn’t hide the fact that this particular circuit is always difficult for him, as it was the scene of one of the worst emotional challenges of his life. “I am an emotional person, I play with emotions. I love this circuit and I love racing here, but I will never forget what I felt when I walked down those stairs when my parents told me the news,” he confessed sincerely. “I experienced the worst emotions of my life here. And at the same time, it’s one of my favorite circuits, so it’s very contradictory.”
Despite the complex feelings associated with this place, Gasly accepts the realities of their sport and the need to confront the emotional challenges it may entail. “It is obviously difficult, but I accept the sport we engage in. It is also life, as sad as it may be. Things you must accept and overcome,” he expressed with a determined perspective.
By organizing these special events in memory of Anthoine Hubert, Gasly finds a source of comfort. “I am simply happier when organizing this kind of events. It may seem like small things to people, but it means a lot more to me and is much more significant,” he concluded with gratitude.
