Gasly Opens Up on Grief and the Lasting Impact of Anthoine Hubert's Death
Years after his friend Anthoine Hubert's death, Pierre Gasly shares his ongoing journey with grief, revealing a poignant final memory and how the tragedy reshaped his life beyond F1.
More than five years after Anthoine Hubert's fatal crash, Pierre Gasly reveals the grief remains a profound part of his life, a journey of navigating pain and regret that has reshaped his perspective far beyond the racetrack. The Alpine driver speaks not just of a tragic event, but of a deep friendship forged in their youth, whose absence continues to influence his outlook on life and the sport he loves.
Why it matters:
In a sport defined by data, lap times, and relentless competition, Gasly's vulnerability offers a powerful reminder of the human element behind the helmet. His story underscores the immense mental and emotional weight drivers carry, and how personal tragedy can fundamentally alter one's relationship with their profession, providing a perspective that transcends championship points and podium finishes.
The details:
- A Bond Forged in Youth: Gasly and Hubert's friendship began at age 10 in the French Federation's driver program. They were roommates, classmates, and fierce rivals, constantly pushing each other. "If I'm doing 13 push-ups, he'll be doing 14," Gasly recalled, highlighting their inseparable journey through the junior ranks.
- The Moment of Tragedy: During the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Gasly learned of Hubert's fatal F2 crash not from officials, but from the sight of his own parents "broken in tears" as he ran to find more information. The realization was immediate and devastating.
- A Cruel Juxtaposition: The tragedy occurred just 18 hours after Gasly had been demoted from the Red Bull Racing team. The professional setback, which had dominated the media narrative, instantly became meaningless in the face of real loss. "The bigger picture, there is more to life than this," he explained.
- A Lasting Regret: Gasly's most poignant memory is their last encounter. After a race in Budapest, he left a party without saying a proper goodbye, just waving from a distance. "I wish I would have waited maybe a bit longer... just to hug him," he said, a lesson in never taking moments for granted.
Looking ahead:
Gasly channels his grief into action, organizing an annual run at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. This personal tribute serves as a way to honor his friend's memory at the very place where their story was tragically altered. It’s a quiet testament to a friendship that, even in absence, continues to shape the man and driver he is today.