Tribute to Anthoine

Over the seasons, we meet many drivers. With some, it’s not difficult to dislike them. With others, it’s impossible not to be charmed by the personality in front of you.

Anthoine naturally belonged to that second category. If you’re looking for a definition that encompasses the words kindness, intelligence, timidity, determination, always accompanied by a big smile, you can sum them up in two words: Anthoine Hubert.

I had the chance to cross paths with him in Barcelona last year when he was starting his second GP3 season. After a first learning season with the ART Grand Prix team, Anthoine approached this season with the support of Renault and a single goal: the title. His touching personality made the connection happen very quickly. It was a pleasure to chat with him after each session or race weekend, whether I was there in person or over the phone.

His season was a reflection of his character: all intelligence and management. Anthoine was a racing driver and seized every opportunity that came his way. Far from coming from a wealthy family like some of his teammates or opponents, he knew the cost of things and that it was better to prioritize a second place rather than risk everything for a victory and potentially lose it all.

His exemplary consistency, marked by two victories and eleven podiums, allowed him to achieve his goal of being crowned. Full of mischief, he then said he had been inspired by one of his compatriots, Esteban Ocon, who had accomplished the same mission with an incredible series of nine consecutive second places.

During the off-season, the question of his future and his move up to F2 arose. In an ideal world, he would have progressed within the same ART Grand Prix structure, but that couldn’t happen. Initially, he was disappointed to find himself behind the wheel of an Arden far from its former glory, but his wisdom allowed him to make the best of the situation. He then set himself a goal for his first F2 season: to be in the top 8 of the championship to obtain his valuable Super License, which could open the doors to F1.

His start to the season was exemplary, with two prestigious victories in Monaco and for his home Grand Prix at Castellet. Then bad luck appeared during the two weekends at Silverstone and Budapest. By the time he arrived at Spa-Francorchamps, he was exactly in the position he had set for himself, 8th, and came with a firm intention to get back on track for the end of the season.

During our long conversation on Thursday afternoon, he amused himself by having won a bicycle at the end of an intense week of training prepared by the Renault Sport Academy in the Pyrenees. This bicycle was the symbol that he had been the most efficient in crossing the mountain passes, a sign that his winning mentality followed him in all his activities. He knew he was at the center of discussions for the transfer market for the next season but remained steadfast in his goal, essential for pursuing his dreams.

Friday, a stroke of bad luck once again deprived him of achieving a good qualification. When I wanted to see him in the paddock, I found him in the middle of a prep session with his engineer. I then sat on the stairs outside the stand just to watch a young man happy doing what he loved most in the world. For a brief moment, he turned towards me, we exchanged a smile, and I went on my way. A text message exchange followed, and we both hoped for a great race on a track he loved.

It’s that smile that stays in my memory as I write these lines, while I’m unable to hold back my tears.

We already miss you, champion!