Pierre Gasly Opens Up About Enduring Grief and Friendship with Anthoine Hubert
Pierre Gasly continues to grapple with the profound loss of his close freind and former racing rival, Anthoine Hubert, who tragically died in a Formula 2 crash at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019. In recent interviews, Gasly has spoken candidly about the enduring pain and regret, and also the lessons learned in the wake of the devastating accident [[1]].Their bond, forged over years of shared ambition and competition, remains a defining element in Gasly’s life and career.
A Shared History: From Karting to the Brink of F1
Gasly and Hubert’s friendship began in the highly competitive world of karting, where they were part of a developmental program designed to nurture France’s most promising young racing talents. “We were part of that programme from 10 to 15 years old,” Gasly recounted to F1.com [Motorsport.com]. “It was 15 drivers in france with potential and talent, and Anthoine was one of them.” this shared upbringing extended beyond the track; they were roommates, classmates, and constant competitors who pushed each other to excel. Gasly described a playful rivalry, illustrating it with a lighthearted anecdote: “If I’m doing 13 push-ups, he’ll be doing 14. and then I’ll go again, doing 15.”
Their journey continued together through the racing ranks, fostering a deep connection built on mutual respect and unwavering support.They navigated the challenges and triumphs of motorsport side-by-side, each inspiring the other to reach their full potential. the expectation was that they would both soon realize their dream of racing in Formula 1.
The Day at Spa That Changed Everything
The 2019 Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa-Francorchamps turned into a nightmare.Gasly,having recently been demoted from Red Bull back to Toro Rosso,was already processing a difficult professional setback. However, the news of hubert’s crash in the Formula 2 feature race eclipsed all other concerns. [[3]]. Gasly vividly remembers the moment he learned of the tragedy. Initially unaware of the extent of the incident, he soon received the devastating news from his team manager.
“I always tried to watch the F2 race, and I saw the crash, the red flag, and initially I didn’t know who was involved and it looked bad,” Gasly explained. “My team manager told me that Anthoine was involved.” The emotional impact was immediate and overwhelming.Seeing his parents’ reaction was a defining moment, solidifying the reality of the loss.
The Weight of Grief and a Lingering Regret
Gasly has spoken openly about the struggle to process his grief, acknowledging that the pain continues to resonate years after Hubert’s death. He described the surreal experience of returning to the track just hours after the accident, grappling with his own sorrow while fielding questions about his demotion. He realized the importance of viewpoint, acknowledging that his professional concerns paled in comparison to the magnitude of the loss. [[2]]
Adding to his sorrow is a specific regret from the night before the race. Gasly and Hubert had attended a party in Budapest and, wanting to avoid staying out too late, gasly left before his friend. He recounted searching for Hubert in the club but ultimately waving goodbye to him from the terrace, never knowing it would be their final farewell. “I wish I would have waited maybe a bit longer in the club just to hug him or say bye in a slightly different way,” he confessed. This sentiment underscores the profound sense of loss and the desire for one more moment with his friend.
Honoring Anthoine’s Memory
In the wake of the tragedy, Gasly established the “Run for Anthoine,” an annual event held at Spa-Francorchamps during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. This initiative serves as a tribute to Hubert’s life and a way for the motorsport community to come together in remembrance. The run is a poignant reminder of Anthoine’s passion for racing and the positive impact he had on those around him [[1]].
Gasly’s continued openness about his grief and his commitment to honoring Hubert’s memory demonstrate the enduring power of friendship and the importance of remembering those we have lost. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.