Anthoine Hubert: 1 year later, the moving tribute
It was already 1 year ago that Anthoine Hubert lost his life on the Spa Francorchamps circuit during the Formula 2 race. For the first anniversary of his death, the motorsport world has not forgotten him and is paying him a beautiful tribute this weekend.
It’s a special weekend for the fans and the paddock of Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3 as they return to Belgian soil. August 31, 2019, will remain in everyone’s memories for the tragic accident that claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert during the Formula 2 race.
A year later, no one forgets this difficult moment and many tributes have been and will be made throughout the weekend to the young French prodigy who dreamed of one day reaching the premier category of motorsport.
To honor his memory, a specially created logo for Anthoine was placed on all cars and clothing in the paddock. It features the initials of the French driver with his racing number, 19, as well as a star that characterized his helmet. The FIA also announced that the number 19 was retired from the FIA Formula 2 World Championship in tribute to Anthoine.
This weekend, the motorsport community races for Anthoine Hubert
A logo created in Anthoine’s honour will be displayed on all cars at Spa this weekend
We can also confirm that car #19 will forever be his#AH19 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yR3UGTbIUm
— Formula 2 #AH19 (@FIA_F2) August 27, 2020
On social media and at the scene of the tragedy at the top of the Raidillon, numerous drivers, teams, and personalities from the motorsport world paid a heartfelt tribute to the young French driver.
Starting with Pierre Gasly, who knew Anthoine Hubert very well as they were on the track together but also interacted off track during their teenage years. They were roommates at the Autosport Academy at the beginning of their young careers.
Still can’t believe it…
We miss you, I miss you Tonio.
I hope we make you proud from up there. Forever in our hearts bro.???? #AH19 pic.twitter.com/4g30fAsP9c— PIERRE GASLY ???????? (@PierreGASLY) August 27, 2020
This weekend, the AlphaTauri driver decided to wear a helmet in tribute to his friend Anthoine Hubert, featuring the characteristic pink of Anthoine’s helmet. Black and white photos of the two French drivers with the number 19, stars, and the nickname “Tonio” of Anthoine Hubert are present on Pierre Gasly’s helmet for this Grand Prix.
Special helmet for a special friend.???? Still struggling to believe that’s real, life can be brutal sometimes. Will give my best this weekend and try to make him proud. #AH19 pic.twitter.com/EFx50q8rSo
— PIERRE GASLY ???????? (@PierreGASLY) August 27, 2020
Gravely injured in this accident last year, F2 driver Juan Manuel Correa went to the circuit this weekend to participate in the tribute to Anthoine. Like Pierre Gasly, he went to the site of the accident to lay flowers.
We miss you, mate. ???? pic.twitter.com/peyItJ7KpE
— Juan Manuel Correa (@JMCorrea__) August 27, 2020
Giuliano Alesi, who was involved in the accident last year, also went to the top of Raidillon to lay flowers with his father Jean Alesi.
For Anthoine #AH19 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9yGGFZO4BD
— Formula 2 #AH19 (@FIA_F2) August 27, 2020
Two official tributes will also be paid to Anthoine Hubert by observing 1 minute of silence before the F2 race on Saturday and before the F1 race on Sunday.
