Formula 1 and all other forms of motor racing are some of the fastest sports in the world. But because of their speed and close-quarters racing, they are also among the most dangerous sports. The F1 world tour visits more than 20 race venues every year, and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium is one of the drivers’ favorites. Even reigning world champion Max Verstappen absolutely adores it. But as amazing as a racetrack Spa is, it has also proved to be a deadly one. 

Since races started taking place at Spa until now, approximately 48 drivers lost their lives at the circuit. That’s no small number. And most recently, the racing world mourned the loss of F2 driver Anthoine Hubert in 2019 when he crashed at Raidillon (one of the most iconic corners on the F1 calendar). While he crashed at Raidillon, his impact on the wall didn’t lead to his death. After ricocheting, Juan Manuel Correa’s car crashed head-on into the side of Hubert’s car, which eventually caused his tragic death. But sadly, it wasn’t the last.

Another day, another casualty at Spa-Francorchamps

The motorsports industry made efforts to prevent incidents like Anthoine’s from happening, but they weren’t enough because less than four years after that incident, the racing community lost yet another young gun to a crash at Spa—the track’s 49th victim. 18-year-old Dutchman Dilano van ‘t Hoff died at Spa today.

The Dutchman, who was the 2021 F4 Spanish Championship champion, was participating in the Formula Regional European Championship. The season’s second race took place in Spa in wet weather conditions. Spa is dangerous enough in dry conditions. But in wet conditions, the danger level increases tenfold. And the drivers competing in this championship are essentially children. They were asked to race in conditions even experienced drivers in F1 think twice about racing in. And because of this ignorance, the racing world lost yet another driver.

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The crash happened right after Raidillon on the Kemmel Straight. Because of the intense spray from the car in front of him, Van ‘t Hoff spun and, in a very similar manner to Hubert’s crash, was hit by Adam Fitzgerald’s car at full speed. Due to the force of impact, Van ‘t Hoff died on the spot. 

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The fact that an incident so similar to Anthoine’s crash happened yet again, at the same track and almost the same spot, means that the safety measures taken by the motorsport industry have cracks that run far deeper than imagined. And if something isn’t done to rectify the situation as soon as possible, motor racing might be nearing its end as a sport form.

Red Bull expresses its condolences 

When news of the death of Dilano Van ‘t Hoff broke, the motorsport community mourned the young driver’s death, but it also raised quite a few burning questions about the safety of these sports. While F1 and other organizations will soon address the concerns and take necessary action, Red Bull expressed its condolences post the incident.

Dilano, who would’ve turned 19 in less than a month, was racing for MP Motorsport in the Formula Regional European Championship. But with his crash, he’s yet another young driver who’s gone too soon.

Incidents like these bring the motorsports community together. The different organizations need to prioritize taking safety measures that will help reduce future incidents. Our hearts go out to Dilano Van ‘t Hoff, who died pursuing what he loved.

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