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F2 driver Anthoine Hubert dies in tragic 150mph crash at the Belgian Grand Prix

F2 driver Anthoine Hubert has been killed in a horrendous crash at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old Frenchman died as a result of his injuries following a sickening 150mph collision at the famous Eau Rogue turn at Spa-Francorchamps.

 Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert died at the age of 22 following a crash at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa
Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert died at the age of 22 following a crash at the Belgian Grand Prix in SpaCredit: Getty - Contributor

The shocking incident happened on the second lap of the F2 race on Saturday just after qualifying for Formula One, which was won by Hubert's childhood pal Charles Leclerc.

He said: "This one is for Anthoine. It feels good but difficult to enjoy in a weekend like this."

Hubert's car crashed heavily into the barriers and sprung back on to the race track when it was struck by Juan Manuel Correa, who was travelling behind and had no chance of swerving.

Correa's car ripped through Hubert's Arden, splitting it into two pieces.

Stewards stopped the race immediately and then cancelled it while marshals and medics raced to the scene.

Hubert, who won the GP3 championship last season and had already won two Grands Prix this year, was part of the Renault Academy.

A statement from the sport's governing body said: "The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) regrets to advise that a serious incident involving cars 12, 19 and 20 occurred at 17:07 on 31/08/19 as a part of the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race at Spa-Francorchamps, round 17 of the season.

"The scene was immediately attended by emergency and medical crews, and all drivers were taken to the medical centre.


"As a result of the incident, the FIA regrets to inform that the driver of car #19, Antoine Hubert, succumbed to his injuries, and passed away at 18:35."

Sky News reported that Frenchman Giuliano Alesi was also involved but escaped unhurt.

Sky reported that the Federation added: "The driver of car #20 Giuliano Alesi (FRA) was checked and declared fit at the medical centre.

"The FIA is providing support to the event organisers and the relevant authorities, and has commenced an investigation into the incident."

Ecuadorian-born American star Correa, an Alfa Romeo development driver, was said to be in a stable condition in a nearby hospital.

The TV broadcast showing the race ended abruptly following the crash.

Mick Schumacher, son of racing legend Michael, was involved in a minor collision earlier in the race at the first corner but escaped unhurt.

Hubert is the first driver to die in a Grand Prix since Jules Bianchi in Japan in 2014.

Bianchi, who was also French, crashed at Suzuka and died nine months later in a hospital in Nice.


Fellow British F1 ace 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."

Charles Leclerc reflects on first F1 win after tragic death of friend Anthoine Hubert


The tragedy casts a huge cloud over tomorrow's F1 GP where Charles Leclerc starts on pole after Hamilton crashed during final practice.

The Brit, who is usually so reliable, span twice in the German GP while he inexplicably crashed during the final practice at Spa, meaning his team had to race against time to repair his car for qualifying.

Out of sorts Hamilton then almost crashed into his own teammate in a crazy qualifying that was stopped twice due to engine fires.

He said: "I am only human. My track record has been pretty good but it sometimes happens.
"It is frustrating and never feels good whether you are in your first or 13th year but you can always learn from it.

"There is always a silver lining, an opportunity to pick yourself up and to rebuild.

 Anthoine Hubert had a bright future in racing
Anthoine Hubert had a bright future in racingCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Wreckage crews remove one of the cars after the crash
Wreckage crews remove one of the cars after the crashCredit: AFP
 Hubert's car was totally destroyed in the collision
Hubert's car was totally destroyed in the collisionCredit: AFP

"It was a massive challenge for the team to rebuild my car and they did a fantastic job.

"When I go back in to the garage and see all the broken parts, I think 'oh, my baby...'."

It means Hamilton will start in third place behind Sebastian Vettel while Leclerc, who has looked quick all weekend took his third pole.