Tributes have been flooding in from around the world of motorsport following the death of Formula 2 racer and Renault junior Anthoine Hubert in a devastating accident at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday, aged 22.
“Our thoughts are with Anthoine’s friends and family at this tragic time,” said Cyril Abiteboul, managing director of Renault Sport Racing.
“Anthoine was a bright young man. His performance and conduct on and off track was that of a true gentleman.
“It was a pleasure and honour to have had him within our Academy. He will be sorely missed by our teams at Enstone and Viry.
“His spirit will remain with the team and we will race in his memory.”
- Renault hopeful Anthoine Hubert killed in Spa F2 crash
“God rest your soul Anthoine,” Lewis Hamilton wrote on social media site Instagram after hearing the news. “My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family today.
“Anthoine is a hero as far as I’m concerned, for taking the risk he did to chase his dreams,” he added. “All these drivers put their life on the line when they hit the track and people need to appreciate that in a serious way because it is not appreciated enough.”
“Very sad news today here in Spa,” Valtteri Bottas said on Twitter. “Tragic day. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Anthoine.”
A tweet from the Mercedes team added: “The entire Mercedes family sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Anthoine Hubert, and his Arden and Renault teams on this tragic day.”
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen also left a message on Twitter in which he said: “Absolutely shocked by the tragic accident of Anthoine Hubert. Terrible. My thoughts are with him and his family, friends, team and loved ones.”
Red Bull boss Christian Horner also paid his respects: “The tragic death of Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert at Spa today is a reminder of just how cruel motorsport, the sport we love, can be sometimes,” he said.
“In his rookie season, Anthoine was demonstrating to be a star of the future having already won races in Monaco and France this year.
“On behalf of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, our thoughts are with Anthoine’s family, Renault and the BWT Arden team, which is close to my heart.”
Honda’s F1 racing manager Toyoharu Tanabe added: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Anthoine Hubert. On behalf of the Honda Motor Company, I offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Haas F1 Team said that it “sends its deepest condolences to Anthoine Hubert’s family following this evening’s tragic news. Our thoughts go out to them as well as Arden, Renault and the FIA F2 community at this time.”
“Can’t believe it,” said Esteban Ocon. “We had the same age, we started racing together and battled on track for years. All my thoughts goes to his family. Repose en paix Anthoine.”
McLaren also sent its heartfelt condolences, and also its thoughts and best wishes to Juan-Manuel Correa who was also involved in the shocking accident.
“I’m deeply shocked & saddened by the loss of such a young talent today Antoine Hubert,” posted former F1 driver Felipe Massa. “Sending love and strength to his family and friends.”
“I can not believe it,” Williams driver George Russell said. “RIP my friend.”
“No words,” contributed McLaren driver Carlos Sainz. “My deepest condolences to Anthoine’s family and friends. Rest in peace.”
“Awful, terrible news,” said Marcus Ericsson. “All my thoughts with his family and friends. Rest in peace.”
“Terrible news that we lost a talented driver in Anthoine Hubert here at Spa today,” said Sky Sports F1 presenter Johnny Herbert. “My heart goes out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
“Awful news about Antoine Hubert,” wrote fellow former F1 driver turned presenter Karun Chandhok. “A great talent taken away too young. My deepest condolences to his family, the Arden-HWA team & everyone at Formula 2 at this time.”
And 2009 world champion Jenson Button tweeted: “Devastating news from Spa today, the super talented Anthoine Hubert succumbed to his injuries after an accident in today’s F2 race. rest in peace Champion.”
Particularly poignant were the words from Stefan Wilson, whose brother Justin – a former F1 driver – died in an IndyCar accident in 2015. “So sad, thinking of everyone in Spa and Anthoine’s family, friends and fans. Heartbreaking.”
And of course, everyone at F1icom would also like to take this opportunity to send our thoughts, deepest condolences and best of wishes to Anthoine’s friends, family and colleagues. We can’t express just how much we wish that we’d had the chance to see him shine in Formula 1.
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