“I have tears in my eyes”: F1 fans react as Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, and others remember Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van ‘t Hoff

In a moving tribute ahead of the 2023 F1 Belgian Grand Prix, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly orchestrated a heartfelt gathering of F1, F2, and F3 drivers to honor the memory of Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van 't Hoff.

These two young talents tragically lost their lives in separate incidents at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps track, leaving an indelible impact on the motorsport community.

The poignant event, organized by Pierre Gasly, aimed to remember the lives of Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van 't Hoff, who both met untimely fates during racing incidents.

Anthoine Hubert, a talented French racer, was involved in a devastating crash at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019 that claimed his life, leaving the entire racing fraternity mourning the loss of a promising talent.

Joining the heartfelt gathering was Juan Manuel Correa, an F2 racer who miraculously survived the same tragic accident that claimed Hubert's life.

Correa's road to recovery had been arduous and involved an induced coma to combat severe respiratory failures. His presence at the event held deep significance, emphasizing the strength and unity among drivers in the face of adversity.

Pierre Gasly's Alpine teammate Esteban Ocon was among the other faces from the world of motorsports who was present to pay his tributes to these two late young drivers.

For Gasly, Anthoine Hubert was more than just a fellow competitor; he was a dear friend whose loss he continues to mourn deeply.

Throughout the years, Gasly has paid his respects to Hubert, but this year, he took the initiative to invite fellow drivers to participate in a poignant run around the Spa-Francorchamps track as a collective gesture of remembrance and solidarity.

The tribute also extended to Dilano van 't Hoff, a young and talented FRECA driver, who tragically passed away at the age of 18 during a Formula Regional European Championship race at the same circuit on July 1, 2023.

The news of Gasly's initiative spread rapidly among the F1 fans, and their reactions were nothing short of overwhelming. Social media platforms were abuzz with heartfelt messages, admiration, and appreciation for the drivers' display of compassion and unity.

Here are some of the top reactions to Pierre Gasly's tribute:

"I have tears in my eyes"

"I just really want to hold them both so tightly, my heart aches for them"

"This made me extremely sad, they are very strong!"

Pierre Gasly organizes a run to pay tribute to the lives of Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van' t Hoff

As the F1 circus reaches its final race weekend at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps before the summer break, the motorsport community witnessed a touching display of camaraderie and remembrance.

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, deeply affected by the tragic incidents that unfolded on the hallowed circuit, took it upon himself to lead a heartfelt tribute to late drivers Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van 't Hoff.

In the days leading up to the Belgian Grand Prix, the former Red Bull driver openly expressed the emotional conflict that many drivers and paddock members felt as they returned to the scene of past tragedies.

The Spa-Francorchamps track, known for its thrilling racing history, had also witnessed heartbreak with the unfortunate accidents that claimed the lives of Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van't Hoff.

Pierre Gasly leading the "Run for Anthoine"

Feeling the weight of these events, Pierre Gasly chose to channel his emotions into a meaningful gesture of remembrance. With unwavering determination, he organized an event in honor of Anthoine Hubert - the 'Run for Anthoine' - which was scheduled to take place on Thursday evening before the Grand Prix weekend unfolded.

Fellow racing personnel took part in the race, offering their support to Pierre Gasly and the entire racing community which has suffered these tragic losses on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Pierre Gasly's gesture of organizing the run was more than just a symbolic act; it was an opportunity for the entire F1 community to come together and pay their respects to the fallen drivers.

Inviting all staff from teams involved in the weekend's events and paddock regulars to participate, Gasly created an inclusive space for collective remembrance and healing.

The significance of the event was further underscored by the recent loss of Dutch racer Dilano van 't Hoff, who tragically passed away in a regional championship race earlier that month.

As the F1 circus embraces the Belgian GP weekend, the memory of Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van 't Hoff remain ever-present. The 'Run for Anthoine' has become a touching testament to the enduring legacy of these young drivers and a demonstration of the bond shared by their fellow competitors and the entire racing fraternity.