Anthoine Hubert: Early Life, Career, Spa Crash & Cause of Death

Anthoine Hubert was a talented French racing driver whose career showed remarkable promise. Born in Lyon in 1996, he rose quickly through the ranks of motorsport. From karting championships to winning the GP3 title, his journey reflected skill, determination, and ambition. 

By 2019, he had joined Formula 2, the final step before Formula 1, and already had victories to his name. However, his life and career were tragically cut short in a fatal accident at Spa-Francorchamps. His story is both inspiring and heartbreaking, highlighting the risks and realities of high-speed racing.

Early Life and Motorsport Beginnings

Anthoine Hubert was born on 22 September 1996 in Lyon, France. From a very young age, he showed a passion for racing. His motorsport journey began in karting, where he competed against other rising talents. In 2010, he secured runner-up in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. He also earned podiums in the U18 Karting World Championship in 2011 and 2012.

By 2013, Hubert made the step into single-seater racing. He entered the French F4 Championship and immediately impressed the racing world. He dominated the series with 11 victories and won the championship in his debut year. This strong start laid the foundation for his rise through the junior categories of motorsport.

Rising Through the Racing Ranks

In 2014 and 2015, Hubert competed in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 with Tech 1 Racing. He gained valuable experience competing against international drivers. His consistent performances helped him progress further in his career.

In 2016, Hubert joined the FIA Formula 3 European Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing. He faced tough competition but proved his potential with steady results. This exposure to higher-level racing sharpened his skills and prepared him for greater challenges.

GP3 Success and Renault Academy

Hubert’s breakthrough came in 2017 when he moved to GP3 with ART Grand Prix. He adapted quickly and finished fourth in the championship. The following season, in 2018, he won the GP3 Series Championship. This title confirmed his talent and placed him among the most promising young drivers.

After this success, he was selected as part of the Renault Sport Academy. Being linked to a Formula 1 team marked him as a driver with future potential at the highest level. His career trajectory pointed toward a possible Formula 1 seat in the coming years.

Formula 2 Career

In 2019, Hubert graduated to the FIA Formula 2 Championship, the main feeder series for Formula 1. He joined BWT Arden and raced with car number 19. He impressed early in the season, taking wins in Monaco and at his home race in France. Hubert also showed consistency by scoring multiple points finishes. His performances positioned him as one of the brightest rookies in the championship.

The Spa Tragedy

The Accident

On 31 August 2019, during the Formula 2 feature race at Spa-Francorchamps, tragedy struck. The crash occurred on lap two at the fast and challenging Eau Rouge–Raidillon section. Giuliano Alesi lost control of his car, hitting the barriers and scattering debris. Drivers behind attempted to avoid the chaos.

Hubert, trying to avoid the incident, clipped Ralph Boschung’s car. His car lost its front wing and control. He then hit the barriers at high speed, rebounded, and came to rest on the track. Unfortunately, his car stopped in a dangerous position.

At that moment, Juan Manuel Correa, who had also been affected by the debris, lost control. Correa’s car collided nearly head-on with Hubert’s at around 218 km/h. The forces from the impact were enormous. Hubert’s car was thrown again into the barriers. The crash sequence lasted less than 15 seconds but was devastating.

Injuries and Cause of Death

Hubert suffered fatal injuries from the crash. According to the FIA, the trauma was non-survivable. His death was caused by the extreme forces from the multiple impacts. The FIA investigation confirmed that medical teams responded quickly, but the nature of the injuries made survival impossible.

Correa survived but sustained serious injuries, including leg fractures and spinal damage. He required multiple surgeries and a long recovery process.

Investigation and Safety Analysis

FIA Report

The FIA Safety Department launched a full investigation. They examined telemetry, video footage, data recorders, and interviewed those involved. The report concluded that no single cause was responsible. Instead, it was a combination of factors that made the crash so severe.

The initial accident involving Alesi created debris and reduced visibility. Hubert’s attempt to avoid Boschung led to his first impact. The rebound of his car left him in the path of Correa. The high-speed collision between the two cars generated forces beyond survivable limits.

The FIA confirmed that race control, marshals, and medical teams acted appropriately and quickly. However, the positioning of the cars and the speeds involved meant there was no way to prevent the tragedy once events had begun.

Autopsy and Medical Findings

While detailed autopsy records remain private, the public conclusion was clear. Hubert died from injuries that could not be survived under any circumstances. His helmet and safety gear performed their functions, but the side impact forces were far greater than current designs could protect against. The investigation highlighted the continuous need for improving safety in motorsport.

Hubert’s Car and Helmet

Hubert drove the Arden car with number 19 in Formula 2. His car was heavily damaged during the crash. The structure of the chassis and side intrusion areas took the brunt of the forces. The FIA noted that while the car’s safety cell withstood certain impacts, the energy of Correa’s strike was beyond design expectations.

The helmet he wore was FIA-approved and paired with a HANS device. However, helmets cannot prevent injuries caused by massive energy transfer to the body. The crash showed that even with modern safety equipment, certain impacts remain unmanageable.

Conclusion

Anthoine Hubert’s passing was a devastating moment for motorsport. He was a rising star whose achievements promised a bright future. His tragic accident at Spa-Francorchamps served as a painful reminder of the dangers drivers face on track. 

Yet, his legacy lives on through the Anthoine Hubert Award, tributes at races, and the continued push for safety in motorsport. Fans, teams, and drivers remember him not only for his talent but also for his spirit, determination, and love for racing. Anthoine Hubert will always remain a symbol of courage and passion in the world of motorsport.