Motorsports | 22-year-old racer Anthoine Hubert dies in crash

French Formula Two (F2) driver Anthoine Hubert has died following a crash on the Spa-Francorchamps track during the F2 Belgian Grand Prix last weekend.

The fatal accident occurred on Saturday during the second lap of the race, when the cars of Hubert and U.S. driver Juan-Manuel Correa collided at high-speed as they accelerated uphill and out of the notorious Eau Rouge corner.

Reports from the track say that Hubert appeared to lose control of his car while exiting the corner before slamming into the far-side barrier. His car flew off the tire wall and slid across the circuit before being hit by Correa’s car.

It was estimated that the accident occurred at a speed of about 257 kmph, causing Hubert’s death and Correa to sustain several injuries, including fractures to both legs.

Like most of the racers in the F2 paddock, 22-year-old Hubert had raced in the Macau Grand Prix. He raced in the Formula 3 event in 2016, the year before joining the GP3 Series, which has currently been replaced by the F2 Championship.

Hubert raced in Macau under Van Amersfoort Racing, finishing in the 13th position of the main race.
According to a statement from the motorsport’s governing body Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Hubert “succumbed to his injuries, and passed away at 6:35 p.m.” local time at the on-site medical center.
Later that day, the FIA issued a second statement, acknowledging the Hubert’s death and stating, “Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3 are deeply saddened by the passing of Anthoine Hubert following a horrific crash at today’s Feature Race at Spa- Francorchamps, involving three other drivers.”

“Anthoine has been part of our paddock since 2017. He was a fantastic driver who had a bright future ahead of him. He became GP3 Series Champion last year, and this season, he won twice in Formula 2, taking victories in Monaco, and at his home race in Le Castellet.”

In their statement, the FIA also acknowledged that out of respect for the family, friends and the paddock mourning Hubert’s death, the Sunday race was canceled. The FIA says that it is investigating the cause of the fatal accident.

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