As the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix approaches, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly prepares to compete while carrying the heavy remembrance of his close friend Anthoine Hubert, who died tragically at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019. Gasly openly shared with the media that he continues to wrestle with vivid and painful images connected to that day but aims to channel these emotions into a source of strength on race weekend.
The Tragic History of Spa’s Raidillon Turn
The Raidillon corner at Spa has proven deadly, claiming the lives of two young racing talents within the last six years. Hubert, a promising Formula 2 driver, lost his life at just 22 years old following a multi-car collision on a rain-soaked track. Four years later, Dutch driver Dilano van ’t Hoff also died under similar conditions, adding to the somber legacy of this challenging section of the circuit.
A Deep Bond and Ongoing Tributes to Anthoine Hubert
Having grown up alongside Hubert, Gasly maintains a strong commitment to honoring his late friend’s memory. The French driver has organized commemorative runs and often lays flowers at Hubert’s memorial site, ensuring that the spirit of his friend remains present at Spa every year. He describes a complex mix of feelings whenever he returns to the circuit, recalling it as his childhood favorite and the place where he scored his first Formula 4 victory in the rain.
“It’s definitely a mixed feeling coming back here every time. I always said when I was a kid that it was my favourite track. It’s where I got my first F4 victory, in the rain,”
Gasly said.
The Unique Nature of Spa-Francorchamps for Gasly
Gasly praises Spa as one of the most beautiful and rhythmically demanding tracks in the world, highlighting the unique flow drivers experience through its twists and elevation changes. However, the joyful memories now coexist with the haunting reality of past tragedies, making each visit deeply emotional.
“Now, of course, with what’s happened, every time I come back here, it’s not the same. It’s something that’s unique to this place. It’s a strange feeling. I can’t say that on the one hand, it’s a track I love, where I love to drive, and on the other hand, I know that whether I want to or not, every time I come back here, I have images in my head that I would rather never have seen,”
he explained.
“images in my head that I would rather never have seen,”
—Pierre Gasly
“But now it’s reality. I’m trying to use all these emotions that are a bit strange for me in a positive way and as a strength.”
—Pierre Gasly
Remembering the Motorsport Community Impacted by Loss
Gasly emphasizes the significance of preserving the memories of drivers like Hubert not only for the sport but also for the families closely tied to these racers. He notes that the motorsport world is a tightly knit community where everyone understands the sacrifice and inherent risks involved.
“For me, I think it’s very important. At the end of the day, we’re all part of the motorsport family. I think all drivers, whether in F1, F2, F3, or all professional and amateur drivers, realise the sacrifices and effort it takes to do what we do today,”
Gasly said.
He continued to stress the wider impact beyond drivers themselves, acknowledging the essential role of support networks like parents, siblings, and loved ones.
“We’re all aware of the risks we take. And in the end, it’s the drivers, but also the families, parents, brothers, sisters, etc., who are also part of this story. It’s a small family, everyone knows each other. When things like this happen, it’s a whole family, a sporting community that is affected and impacted.”
“It’s important to remember that, to really promote respect between us and to remember that it’s a dangerous sport. We love it, but at the end of the day, it’s still a dangerous sport. It’s important that respect comes first between us.”
—Pierre Gasly
The Lasting Legacy and Future Outlook
As Pierre Gasly heads into the Belgian Grand Prix, his reflections on Anthoine Hubert’s tragic death at Spa-Francorchamps carry profound weight. These memories influence his mindset, inspiring him to turn grief into motivation. Through ongoing tributes and personal resolve, Gasly exemplifies the close bonds and deep respect shared across the motorsport family. The Spa circuit continues to be a place of both cherished memories and cautionary remembrance, underscoring the sport’s risks and the resilience of those who honor its fallen.
