Pierre Gasly recently revealed the deep impact of losing Anthoine Hubert, his childhood friend, bringing to light how intertwined their careers and personal lives had been. Their shared history stretches from karting in France to striving for seats in top-tier racing series, underscoring how Pierre Gasly and Anthoine Hubert shaped each other’s journeys.
As young hopefuls, Gasly and Hubert were selected for a drivers’ program in France, a move that bonded them from the ages of 10 to 15. The pair’s relationship went well beyond the track — they were classmates, roommates, even workout rivals, constantly encouraging each other to surpass their limits.
“We were part of that programme from 10 to 15 years old,”
Gasly explained to F1.com while appearing on the Off The Grid series with Lawrence Barretto.
“It was 15 drivers in France with potential and talent, and Anthoine was one of them.”
— Pierre Gasly, Formula 1 Driver
Daily routines cemented their connection, with Gasly recalling numerous moments spent together at school, in the gym, and over meals. Friendly competition was always present, as each tried to outdo the other, strengthening their bond and fueling mutual growth on and off the circuit.
“We very much pushed each other to get more potential out of each other.”
— Pierre Gasly, Formula 1 Driver
The Tragic Loss at Spa-Francorchamps and Its Immediate Impact
In August 2019, tragedy struck during the Formula 2 feature race at Spa-Francorchamps when Anthoine Hubert lost his life in a devastating crash. Pierre Gasly, already grappling with a professional setback after being moved from Red Bull to Toro Rosso, witnessed the harrowing sequence unfold live.
Gasly recounted watching the crash unfold, immediately concerned as the gravity of the situation became apparent. His fears were soon confirmed by his team manager, who delivered the difficult news that Hubert was involved. The emotional toll was clear the moment he found his parents in tears — an indication that his close friend was gone.
The pain was immense for Gasly, who recognized Hubert’s promise as a future Formula 1 driver and mourned the loss of a friend who seemed destined to reach the sport’s highest level. Notably, Gasly had previously experienced the loss of another close friend, which compounded his grief.
“I had lost two years before a friend from back home, and two years later, it happens with Anthoine, with whom I was extremely close.”
— Pierre Gasly, Formula 1 Driver
Coping with Grief Amid Professional Demands
Gasly spoke about how difficult it was to balance his personal loss with his public responsibilities as a Formula 1 driver. The weekend after Hubert’s death was marked by persistent questions about his racing career rather than the tragedy. Despite the spotlight on his team demotion, Gasly saw the situation’s true significance lay in the loss of a lifelong companion.
The process of understanding and emotionally processing the event took years for Gasly, who said no life lessons or schooling prepared him for such situations. He emphasized the unique and challenging nature of facing grief at such a young age, away from the guidance of teachers or parents when the loss feels so personal and profound.
The Final Goodbye and Lessons Learned
The last meeting between Pierre Gasly and Anthoine Hubert happened in Budapest, shortly before the crash. After a party, Gasly attempted to say goodbye but only managed a wave and a few brief words, not realizing it would be the final time he would see his friend.
“I never got the chance to see him again before the crash. And I wish I would have waited maybe a bit longer in the club just to hug him or say bye in a slightly different way. But it taught me to appreciate the moment we live with the people we love and to never take anything for granted.”
— Pierre Gasly, Formula 1 Driver
This memory continues to stay with Gasly, shaping his perspective on fleeting moments and the importance of cherishing time with loved ones. The regret of that brief parting serves as a reminder for him to value every interaction.
Honoring Anthoine Hubert’s Memory
In the years since, Pierre Gasly has found ways to keep his friend’s legacy alive. He organizes an annual run at Spa-Francorchamps during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend as a tribute to Anthoine Hubert, ensuring that his spirit remains intertwined with the world of motorsport—a place where both young men chased their dreams and pushed each other to succeed.
Gasly’s journey through grief, set against the backdrop of high-stakes racing and personal milestones, reflects the profound influence friends can have and the indelible mark left by untimely loss. The enduring bond between Pierre Gasly and Anthoine Hubert continues to shape Gasly’s outlook on life, racing, and the relationships that matter most.
