The sport of Formula 1, while exhilarating for fans and drivers alike, also teaches us a lot about life. While short, life’s been given a purpose and a thrill by F1. However, the hand that gently guides us through life is also capable of unexpectedly taking it away. F1 isn’t a sport for the timid. Whilst the mental and physical tolls of F1 are immense. These drivers lay their lives on the line every weekend they put on their racing helmets. Pierre Gasly paid an ode to this spirit today at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit with two very special individuals in mind.

The sport lost a bright star in 2019 when Anthoine Hubert, a close friend of Gasly’s, passed away after a devastating F2 crash at the track. And as if one burdened lesson wasn’t enough, 18-year-old Dutch racing prodigy, Dilano van ‘t Hoff lost his life in similar circumstances at Spa on the 1st of July whilst competing in an official FRECA race.

Pierre Gasly remembers his compatriots on an emotionally charged day

van’t Hoff would’ve turned 19 years old on the 26th of July, 2023 when Gasly led an emotional tribute for his late friend Hubert and van’t Hoff at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit today. But while the loss is still fresh in Gasly’s heart, he put a brave face on to honor their memories.

According to Chris Medland, “Pierre Gasly leads away a ‘Run for Anthoine’, with a lovely message about both Hubert and Dilano van ‘t Hoff before starting. Loads of paddock members joining in from all categories #F1 #BelgianGP.”

Read More: “Really Big Problem of F1”: Charles Leclerc Spits Damning Facts as the Circus Arrives at Spa-Francorchamps

No one wants to see another driver lose their lives or injure themselves again. But what can F1 and the FIA do to make this a possibility?

Charles Leclerc makes urgent demands for driver safety

While Gasly lost a friend in Hubert, Charles Leclerc did, too. The duo were best of mates and his tragic loss did take a toll on the young Monegasque driver who also lost his godfather, Jules Bianchi in such unfortunate circumstances back in 2015.

But enough is enough for Leclerc. He was quoted by GrandPrix247.com as saying, “First of all, the walls in the straights after Eau Rouge I think we should have a bit more space on the left and right. If you lose control of the car I think the way it is done at the moment you are bouncing on the walls and you have very high chances of finding yourself in the way.”

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What can F1 and the wider motorsport community do to ensure driver safety in today’s day and age?