In a heart-wrenching revelation, Pierre Gasly has opened up about the deep bond he shared with his late friend Anthoine Hubert and the overwhelming grief that has haunted him since Hubert’s tragic passing in 2019. The two racing prodigies not only grew up together in the karting world but also forged a friendship that spanned their formative years in motorsport.
Gasly recalled how they were inseparable during their early days, training and competing side by side. “We were part of that programme from 10 to 15 years old,” Gasly shared in an emotional interview. “Anthoine was one of 15 drivers in France with immense potential. We were roommates, classmates—sharing breakfasts, lunches, and pushing each other to excel. If I did 13 push-ups, he would do 14. That’s how we motivated one another.”
The devastating crash that took Hubert’s life occurred during the second lap of the Formula 2 feature race at Spa-Francorchamps, a moment that would forever change Gasly’s life. “I always tried to watch the F2 race, and when I saw the crash and the red flag, I feared the worst. My team manager confirmed Anthoine was involved. As I hurried down to the hospitality area for more information, I spotted my parents in tears, and I just knew,” he recounted, the pain still fresh in his voice.
Gasly expressed the agony of losing a friend who was destined for greatness in Formula 1. “It was just a matter of time until Anthoine made it to F1,” he lamented, reflecting on the profound loss that followed another tragedy two years prior when he lost another close friend. “The emotional toll was immense; I had already been through this once before, and now it was happening again.”
Adding to the turmoil, just days before Hubert’s fatal incident, Gasly faced his own crisis as he was demoted from Red Bull back to Toro Rosso. “18 hours later, I was expected to compete at the Grand Prix. The only questions I received were about my demotion, but nothing mattered compared to losing Anthoine. We shared so many moments, both on and off the track, and I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
Gasly’s poignant reflection on their last encounter is particularly haunting. “After a race in Budapest, we went to a party together, but I didn’t want to stay too late. I left early, trying to find him. As I exited, I spotted him on the terrace and waved goodbye, saying, ‘Have a good summer, and I’ll see you in Spa.’ Little did I know that would be our last goodbye. I wish I had stayed longer, given him a proper hug,” he confessed, his voice thick with regret.
This devastating loss has taught Gasly a crucial lesson about cherishing every moment with loved ones. To honor Anthoine, he has initiated an annual run at Spa-Francorchamps during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, a tribute to a friendship that will never fade and a reminder to live life to the fullest.
Gasly’s story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected ways it can change, urging everyone to hold their loved ones a little closer and never take a moment for granted.
