Tributes pour in for F2 driver Anthoine Hubert, who died in crash
Motor racing prospect Anthoine Hubert was killed by a horrific high-speed crash just minutes into Saturday's Formula Two race held before the weekend's F1 Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA announced.
Hubert, who was considered a serious talent by Renault's F1 set-up, died aged 22 following a three-car pile-up also involving Juan Manuel Correa and Giuliano Alesi at the exit of the Raidillon corner, one of the fastest sections of the quick Spa-Francorchamps track.
Tributes poured in for Hubert, with a "devastated" Formula One saying that "He will never be forgotten" and Lewis Hamilton hailing the Frenchman as a "hero".
"This is devastating. God rest your soul Anthoine. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family today," the reigning five-time F1 world champion said on Instagram.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen wrote on Twitter: Absolutely shocked by the tragic accident of Anthoine Hubert. Terrible. My thoughts are with him and his family, friends, team and loved ones."
In a statement, the FIA said that BWT Arden driver Hubert died at 6.35pm local time (12.35am yesterday morning, Singapore time).
Correa is said to be in a "stable condition" at the CHU hospital in Liege after suffering leg fractures and spinal injuries during the crash.
BIG FUTURE
Hubert was a Renault F1 junior and the reigning GP3 series champion, and his strong performance in junior categories had earned him full backing from Renault, who were preparing him for a big future.
He had won twice in the F2 championship this season, at the French and Monaco Grand Prix meetings.
His death came after he hit a wall at Raidillon and smashed into Correa at high speed, flipping the American's Sauber junior team car upside down and shattering Hubert's vehicle, the main monocoque separating from the rear. - AFP
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