The sport of Formula 1 can make you a hero. But it also gives you an opportunity to stand up for things and people who mean something. The sport lost a future star in 2019. And it happened on the tarmac of the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Anthoine Hubert was undoubtedly on his way to Formula 1, however, his journey got cut tragically short when he met with a fatal accident in Stavelot. If things would’ve turned out to be otherwise, Pierre Gasly would’ve been competing against his friend in today’s Sprint Race.

But don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that Anthoine doesn’t race alongside his friends and compatriots. After an emotional ode to the late French driver, Gasly embarked on a mission to honor his memory by doing what they both love more dearly than life; racing.

Pierre Gasly dedicates Belgian Sprint Top 3 Finish to Anthoine Hubert

2023 has been a difficult season for Alpine. Moreover, within the team, Gasly has seriously taken some time to get accustomed to his latest F1 ride. Naturally, the results haven’t been pouring in for the Frenchman. However, as if almost through divine intervention, at the track where he lost his dear friend, Gasly finally triumphed.

The 27-year-old ran a solid race to finish 3rd and bag a well-deserved top 3 finish for himself and the team. But while he reveled in success, he did not forget the person who was alongside him throughout most of this journey. After the race, during an emotional post-race interview, he said as quoted by Formula1.com, “It does feel very special to do it here at Spa. Obviously, a thought for Anthoine (Hubert). I’m just extremely pleased for the whole team because it hasn’t been the smoothest start of the year, but we managed to put it together here today”

Gasly’s sprint podium wasn’t just a fluke. It took certain decisions to be taken at the right time, and for Gasly to keep his head as a 7x champion chased him down.

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

Gasly describes the dreamy Belgian GP Sprint podium

What a feeling it must’ve been for the French racing ace to have crossed the finish line in third. What’s more, he did a phenomenal job at keeping a hungry 7x champion in the shape of Lewis Hamilton at bay.

Gasly was quoted as saying, “It was very difficult conditions. I’m extremely happy, we pitted at the right time and managed to hold off Lewis [Hamilton] until the end. I gave it everything, I could see Lewis coming back and getting closer. I was just trying to stay focused on my driving, making clean laps. It wasn’t easy but I gave it all and it paid off. I’m super happy for all the guys and will go for it all tomorrow.“

Can Gasly repeat his Sprint exploits in the main race tomorrow?

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