Remembering Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van 't Hoff: The Two Tragedies That Changed Spa-Francorchamps Forever

Every Formula 1 season, the Belgian Grand Prix returns to Spa-Francorchamps with its usual blend of anticipation and history. Yet for many across the paddock, the weekend is also one of reflection.

Spa is where motorsport lost two of its brightest young prospects. Anthoine Hubert in 2019. Dilano van 't Hoff in 2023.

Separated by four years but linked forever by tragedy, their deaths continue to shape conversations around safety at one of racing's most iconic circuits.

Anthoine Hubert's Formula 1 dream ended at Spa

Anthoine Hubert was widely regarded as one of France's most promising young drivers.

After winning the 2018 GP3 Series championship, he graduated to Formula 2 with Arden Motorsport and joined the Renault Sport Academy, placing him firmly on the path towards Formula 1.

The 22-year-old had already claimed victories at Monaco and Paul Ricard during his rookie Formula 2 season and was building a reputation as one of the championship's standout talents.

That journey came to a heartbreaking end on August 31, 2019.

What happened to Anthoine Hubert?

The fatal accident occurred on the second lap of the Formula 2 Feature Race at the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

As the field climbed through Raidillon, Giuliano Alesi suffered a right-rear tyre failure and crashed into the barriers, scattering debris across the circuit.

Drivers behind attempted to avoid the incident. Ralph Boschung slowed and moved towards the run-off area, but Hubert, arriving moments later with limited visibility, made contact with Boschung's car.

The collision damaged Hubert's front wing and sent his Arden into the tyre barriers before it rebounded across the racing line.

With little time to react, Juan Manuel Correa struck the side of Hubert's stationary car at high speed in a devastating impact.

Hubert was treated at the circuit but later succumbed to his injuries.

The FIA's subsequent investigation concluded he suffered unsurvivable trauma caused by the enormous forces involved in the collision. It also found there was no single cause of the accident and no driver was solely responsible.

Anthoine Hubert incident changed motorsport

Hubert's death sent shockwaves throughout the racing community.

The Formula 2 Sprint Race scheduled for the following day was cancelled as drivers and teams paid tribute to the Frenchman.

Among those most deeply affected was Pierre Gasly, Hubert's childhood friend and fellow French racer. Every return to Spa since 2019 has seen Gasly honour his friend, describing him as someone who remains with him every time he gets into a Formula 1 car.

The tragedy also prompted the FIA to introduce several safety recommendations across Formula 1's junior categories, including further analysis of side-impact protection, barrier performance and accident data.

Dilano van 't Hoff's tragic accident revived painful memories

Four years later, Spa was once again at the centre of motorsport's attention for all the wrong reasons.

On July 1, 2023, 18-year-old Dutch driver Dilano van 't Hoff lost his life during a Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) race.

Like Hubert, Van 't Hoff had been regarded as one of the brightest prospects of his generation.

He won the Spanish Formula 4 Championship in 2021 and joined MP Motorsport as he looked to climb the single-seater ladder towards Formula 1.

What happened to Dilano van 't Hoff?

The race took place in extremely wet conditions.

Following a Safety Car restart on the final lap, several cars made contact on the Kemmel Straight approaching Les Combes.

Van 't Hoff spun into the barriers before coming to rest sideways across the circuit.

With heavy spray dramatically reducing visibility, an approaching driver was unable to avoid his stationary car, resulting in a high-speed side impact.

Emergency crews attended the scene immediately, but Van 't Hoff later died from his injuries.

The similarities with Hubert's accident were impossible to ignore. Both incidents involved poor visibility, high-speed sections of Spa and side-on impacts that left drivers with virtually no chance of survival.

Spa's safety debate continues

The deaths of Hubert and Van 't Hoff intensified scrutiny over Spa-Francorchamps, particularly regarding visibility in wet conditions.

While the accidents occurred at different parts of the circuit-Hubert at Raidillon and Van 't Hoff on the Kemmel Straight approaching Les Combes-they shared common factors that reignited debate over circuit design, runoff areas and whether racing should continue in severely reduced visibility.

The discussion had already gathered pace after Lando Norris' heavy qualifying crash in the rain during the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, and Van 't Hoff's death further reinforced calls for continued safety improvements.

Since Hubert's accident, Spa has undergone several modifications, including revised gravel traps, expanded runoff areas and updated barrier systems aimed at reducing the severity of high-speed incidents.

Two careers remembered beyond their statistics

Hubert never reached Formula 1, but his influence extended well beyond his results. His determination, humility and close friendships made him one of the most respected figures in the junior paddock.

Van 't Hoff was only beginning his journey. The Dutch teenager had already shown championship-winning ability in Formula 4 and was viewed as another driver capable of climbing through the ranks.

Neither fulfilled their Formula 1 ambitions.

Both remain part of the sport's collective memory.

As Formula 1 returns to Spa each year, the Belgian Grand Prix serves as more than another stop on the calendar. It is a reminder of two young drivers whose passion for racing ended at the circuit they dreamed of conquering, and whose legacies continue to shape motorsport's relentless pursuit of making racing safer for future generations.