For Charles Leclerc, it’s a trip down memory lane that’s both glorious and gut-wrenching. The Spa-Francorchamps is where Leclerc first claimed victory in F1. It was back in 2019, and the Monegasque maverick stole the show with a performance that had us all on the edge of our seats. But, when he remembers that race, it’s not all champagne and laurels. There’s a twinge of sadness, a reminder of the day when triumph and tragedy were cruelly intertwined.

The day before that crowning victory was one that will forever be etched in the annals of racing history but for all the wrong reasons. The day before the Leclerc’s win, Anthoine Hubert, a talented young driver, lost his life in a heart-wrenching incident during an F2 race. As Leclerc stood on the podium to celebrate his triumph, the motorsport community was grappling with the devastating loss of a promising talent. This tragedy sapped joy from what should’ve been the most memorable moment of Leclerc’s career. It was a jarring reminder of the thin line that separates the thrill of victory from the specter of loss in this high-octane sport.

Opening up during his pre-GP press conference, Leclerc shared, “I try to give my best every weekend–but of course it’s always special to come back to where you won your first race. It is a beautiful memory of a particular moment, even if there were circumstances which made it difficult to fully enjoy the moment because we had lost Anthoine Hubert the day before. Furthermore, Spa-Francorchamps is a very special track, and I think every driver likes it.” This is no ordinary victory, as the memories are tinged with sadness, as Hubert’s passing continues to impact Leclerc’s emotions every time he returns to the track.

Hours After Late Dilano van ’t Hoff’s 19th, Pierre Gasly Leads Emotional Homage for Deceased Friend Anthoine Hubert and The Dutch Driver

So, here we are, with Leclerc’s heart and soul laid bare. Returning to the track that handed him his first win also served him his first slice of profound sorrow. And his best friend Pierre Gasly also shares similar emotions.

Pierre Gasly’s heartfelt tribute

The tragic loss of Anthoine Hubert during an F2 race on this revered track in 2019, and more recently, Dilano van ‘t Hoff’s passing in a FRECA race earlier this month, have left an indelible mark on the racing world. Amidst this somber backdrop, Pierre Gasly, who was a dear friend of Anthoine orchestrated a heartfelt tribute – the ‘Run for Anthoine’ – to commemorate the lives of both drivers.

Pierre Gasly’s affection for Spa-Francorchamps is intertwined with the sorrow of losing Anthoine Hubert, making this track a canvas of contrasting emotions for him. The ‘Run for Anthoine’ is more than just a physical activity; it symbolizes a collective expression of love, respect, and unity within the motorsport community. Gasly’s emotional declaration, “I’m someone that is emotional… I’ll never forget what I felt going down these stairs when my parents told me the news,” showcases the deep impact of Anthoine’s passing on his life.

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In F1 triumphs and tragedies intertwine, and the Belgian GP weekend becomes a sacred canvas where memories of Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van ‘t Hoff are etched alongside moments of triumph and the pursuit of excellence.

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