When Formula 1 returns to Spa-Francorchamps, there’s always more than just racing on the line. For many, the Spa is a place of legends, insane speed, and heart-stopping action. But it’s also a place of memories, especially when it comes to Anthoine Hubert, the French F2 driver who lost his life here in 2019. Before the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, the F1 world united once again to remember a true racer.
The Special Tribute Run: “Racing for Anthoine”
The most powerful moment came even before engines fired up for the weekend. It’s now a tradition: drivers, teams, and fans join together for the “Run for Anthoine,” a circuit-wide run and walk organized by Pierre Gasly. The run started at the main straight, with everyone, F1, F2, F3 drivers, engineers, and fans moving together as one big family.
The procession paused at Eau Rouge, the very corner forever linked to Anthoine Hubert’s memory, where flowers were laid, and heads were bowed in silence. Gasly himself led the way, visibly emotional, but strong as ever, turning his loss into motivation on and off the track.
Personal Moments: Flowers, T-Shirts, and Messages
Pierre Gasly wasn’t the only one paying tribute. This year, drivers wore special tribute T-shirts, most notably Lewis Hamilton, who made headlines with his “Racing for Anthoine” shirt that caught fans’ attention all over social media. After the run, drivers, some still catching their breath, took a moment to lay down flowers and exchange quiet words.
There was no need for big speeches; the emotion said it all. Instagram was filled with snaps of the flower arrangement at Eau Rouge. Gasly’s post, simple but heartfelt, got thousands of likes in minutes.
United on and Off the Track
The entire paddock, including F2 and F3 drivers, joined in this tribute. Even drivers known for their competitiveness, like Sainz and Leclerc, put rivalries aside as they cycled or walked the circuit with the rest of the group. Some ran, some biked, but everyone participated, showing that in F1, family goes beyond teams and trophies.
Remembering and Looking Forward
Pierre Gasly has spoken openly about how tough it is to come back to Spa each year. For him and many others, the memories are fresh and raw, but every tribute is a way to heal. On Thursday night, the paddock stood together, not just for Hubert, but also for Dilano van ’t Hoff, another young driver lost too soon at the same track.
These moments of unity show that racing is about more than podiums; it’s about people, passion, and respect for those who paved the way, even if their journey ended far too soon.
The Spirit Lives On
As the engines roar to life for the main event, the spirit of Anthoine Hubert is everywhere. In every lap, every corner, and every tribute, he’s remembered not just as a racer, but as a friend, a dreamer, and an inspiration. The F1 family keeps its legacy alive, reminding us that behind every helmet is a human story, and some stories need to be told, year after year.
Also Read: The Touching Reason Pierre Gasly Brings Flowers To Spa Every Year
