F2 driver Hubert dies after crash at Belgium race

French driver Anthoine Hubert has been killed in an accident in the course of the Components 2 characteristic race on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

Hubert, 22, misplaced management of his automobile on the second lap of the race on the high of the Raidillon nook, which follows the well-known Eau Rouge part of the Belgian race monitor. Raidillon is a blind nook on the crest of a hill. After an preliminary affect with the limitations, Hubert’s automobile got here again onto the race monitor and was hit at upwards of 200 km/h by American driver Juan Manuel Correa. Hubert’s automobile was cut up in two items by the crash.

A 3rd driver, Giuliano Alesi, was concerned however was unhurt after his automobile got here to a halt and not using a rear wing and a punctured rear tyre.

TV cameras shortly reduce away from the scene, and no replays have been proven. The race was instantly pink flagged and, as soon as the opposite vehicles had returned to the pits, it was quickly confirmed it could not restart.

F2 is the official feeder sequence to Components One and the race was happening shortly after qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, which is scheduled to happen on Sunday. There’s additionally an F2 dash race allotted on Sunday’s schedule.

Simply earlier than 7 p.m. native time, the FIA confirmed Hubert had succumbed to his accidents. Correa is in secure situation in CHU Liège hospital.

Remko de Waal / ANP / AFP

“The Federation Internationale de l’Vehicle (FIA) regrets to advise severe incident involving vehicles #12, #19 and #20 occurred at 17:07 on 31/08/19 as part of the FIA Components 2 Dash Race at Spa-Francorchamps, spherical 17 of the season.

“The scene was instantly attended by emergency and medical crews, and all drivers have been taken to the medical centre.

“On account of the incident, the FIA regrets to tell that the motive force of automobile #19, Antoine Hubert (FRA), succumbed to his accidents, and handed away at 18:35.

“The motive force of automobile #12, Juan-Manuel Correa (USA), is in a secure situation and is being handled on the CHU Liège hospital. Extra info on his situation will likely be supplied when it turns into out there.

“The motive force of automobile #20 Giuliano Alesi (FRA) was checked and declared match on the medical centre.

“The FIA is offering help to the occasion organisers and the related authorities, and has commenced an investigation into the incident.”

Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton posted his condolances to Instagram shortly after the information was confirmed.

“That is devastating. God relaxation your soul Anthoine. My prayers and ideas are with you and your loved ones at present.”

In a follow-up publish, he mentioned: “If a single one among you watching and having fun with this sport suppose for a second what we do is secure your massively mistaken. All these drivers put their life on the road after they hit the monitor and folks want to understand that in a severe means as a result of it’s not appreciated sufficient. Not from the followers nor a number of the individuals truly working within the sport.

“Anthoine is a Hero so far as I am involved, for taking the chance he did to chase his goals. I am so unhappy that this has occurred. Let’s elevate him up and keep in mind him. Relaxation in peace brother.”

Hubert, the reigning GP3 champion, was a part of the Renault F1 crew’s junior driver academy.

Born in Lyon, France, he began karting at age 12. As soon as he made his debut in single-seater racing within the French F4 championship in 2013, he rose by the ranks shortly. He received the French F4 sequence on the first try, earlier than spending two seasons in Components Renault 2.zero. He stepped as much as Components three, claiming a race win on the Norisring.

He moved as much as GP3 with ART in 2017. His first season within the sequence was winless, however he adopted it up with a championship-winning marketing campaign in 2018. This yr he stepped as much as F1’s official feeder sequence and claimed victories at dash races in Monaco and France. Arriving at Belgium, internet hosting the 17th and 18th rounds of the 2019 season, he was eighth within the championship.

The final fatality attributable to accidents sustained at a Components One occasion was Jules Bianchi, who suffered extreme head accidents on the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix and died in July 2015.