Renault Formula 1 boss Cyril Abiteboul has paid tribute to the team’s junior protege Anthoine Hubert following his fatal accident in the Formula 2 feature race at Spa-Francorchamps.
The BWT-Arden driver was involved in a multiple car crash on the exit of Raidillon, the incident leading to a red flag stoppage on the second lap of the race.
Hubert later succumbed to his injuries sustained in the collision, and as a result Sunday’s F2 sprint race has been cancelled out of respect.
Drivers from the motorsport community have already posted tributes in memory of the 22-year-old Frenchman, with Lewis Hamilton labelling Hubert a “hero”, while his former GP3 team-mate George Russell also expressed his sadness of his sudden passing.
In light of his impressive results during his championship-winning GP3 season last year, Renault signed Hubert to its young driver academy in 2018.
“Our thoughts are with Anthoine’s friends and family at this tragic time,” Abiteboul said in a statement.
“Anthoine was a bright young man. His performance and conduct on and off track was that of a true gentleman and it was a pleasure and honour to have had him within our Academy.
“He will be sorely missed by our teams at Enstone and Viry. His spirit will remain with the team and we will race in his memory.”
Hubert had endured a successful start to his debut F2 season, claiming two victories in Monaco and at his home event in Paul Ricard, to leave him eighth in the standings as the best-placed rookie.
“His smile and sunny personality lit up our formidable group of young drivers, who had formed tight and enduring bonds,” Renault’s statement added.
“His strong results in F2 this season, including wins on home soil in Monaco and France, inspired not just the other recruits but also the wider Renault Sport Racing group.”
