Minute’s silence held in memory of F2 driver Anthoine Hubert
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium (AP) — Drivers solemnly observed a minute’s silence on Sunday in memory of French driver Anthoine Hubert, who died Saturday after a heavy crash during a Formula Two race at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Hubert’s mother and brother held his racing helmet in their hands as teams and drivers stood alongside them with heads bowed in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock.
The 22-year-old Hubert, who raced for the British-owned Arden team, died after an estimated 160 mph (257 kph) collision with 20-year-old U.S. driver Juan-Manuel Correa’s car as they accelerated uphill and then out of the notorious Eau Rouge corner on Lap 2.
Hubert’s car sustained a huge side-on impact and span around violently. He was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. local time on Saturday. Correa is recovering in a Liege hospital from his injuries.
Sunday’s scheduled F2 race was cancelled out of respect for Hubert. His mother was consoled by Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc, who on Saturday posted an Instagram photo of himself and Hubert during their junior racing days.
Another minute’s silence will be held before the F1 GP scheduled to start later Sunday at 3:10 p.m. local time.
