Spa Francorchamps And The Most Surreal Atmosphere
- Richard Baxter
- Sep 3, 2019
- 2 min read
The Belgium Grand Prix marked the return of the Formula 1 season after the summer break. We were all excited, the teams and drivers were excited to be back, and after the practise and qualifying sessions we looked to be set for another great race around quite possibly the greatest race track in the world.
Saturday afternoon though, the whole weekend turned as the world witnessed a horrific accident in the F2 race. The severity of it immediately visible.
Later that day it was sadly announced that Anthoine Hubert had passed away as a consequence of it.
A well-known and liked figure within the paddock all the drivers and teams made their own tributes.
Watching the race build up it was incredibly emotional seeing all the drivers gathered with the Hubert family observing a minute’s silence.
The fans also played their part in showing their respects with the applause on lap 19 (Hubert’s race number) clearly audible over the commentary. And with the fans applauding the circuit medical staff before the F1 race it really showed the appreciation for their efforts.
I’ll be honest; I didn’t actually know that much about Hubert. I had seen a few F2 races this season and was aware of him but didn’t know a lot about him. But despite this, hearing that he had passed away was simply shocking.
The wide Formula 1 family is strange. Including the teams, drivers, FIA bosses, support race teams and drivers, marshals, track staff, fans, reporters, and simple bloggers like myself – we all truly appreciate the efforts that these people go to, to simply provide entertainment to us. And when something as sad as this happens it really does affect everyone.
This led to the most amazing, yet surreal atmosphere I have ever experienced on a race day.
The fact you could tell the drivers didn’t really want to race and yet went ahead and did so. The fact that none of them were celebrating on the podium or after the race. The drivers on the podium showed only the utmost respect. It was fitting for Leclerc to win the race as well being a friend of Hubert.
On occasions people have recently complained about how ‘safe’ motorsport is. However this is a stark reminder of how dangerous it truly is. The danger isn’t always visible, but it is always there.
That is why, to true fans, this sport is simply the ultimate. We understand the danger and highly respect those who are willing to put their lives on the line simply to entertain us.
It isn’t said enough, but thank you to those who dedicate their lives to enable us to enjoy this brilliant, exciting, innovating, terrifying, historic motor sport.
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