French Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert dies in Belgium crash

Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert has been killed following a crash in Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA has announced.

The 22-year-old Frenchman was involved in a huge crash after colliding with American Juan Manuel Correa at around 170mph at the Raidillon swerves.

A statement released by the FIA said that Hubert was taken to the medical centre after the incident; however, he was confirmed dead at 18:35 local time.

Correa was taken to Liege hospital and is fortunate to be in a stable condition, the FIA added.

The race was stopped after the crash and, moments later, it was cancelled when the seriousness of the accident became clear.

Sunday’s Formula 2 sprint race at Spa has been cancelled “out of respect”; the Formula 3 race will go ahead as planned.

Hubert was lying eighth in the Championship and had achieved two wins, in Monaco and France, with the BWT Arden team.

The Frenchman was also a part of Renault F1’s young driver programme. Renault said in a statement:

 “Anthoine was a member of the Renault Sport Academy and raced in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, the final ladder to F1.

“As reigning GP3 champion and member of the Equipe de France, FFSA (French Federation of Motorsport), the Frenchman was a huge talent who also brought great energy and positivity to his championship, his teams and the Renault Sport Academy.

“His smile and sunny personality lit up our formidable group of young drivers, who had formed tight and enduring bonds.

“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.”

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