Motorsport world mourns young driver killed at Spa

Tributes from across the motorsport world have flooded in for Dilano van ‘t Hoff, who tragically lost his life in a junior series race at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday.

The 18-year-old was competing in the Formula Regional European Championship in wet conditions when he was involved in a crash along the Kemmel Straight, following which his car was t-boned at high speed by an unsighted car.

In a statement, his MP Motorsport team said: “We are devastated at the loss of one of our brightest Dutch talents, who brought so much energy to our team during the years he raced with us. Dilano has been a part of our racing family since his motorsport debut with MP back in 2021.

“We offer our sincere condolences to Dilano’s family and his loved ones, and are in full support of them and our team members who have lost not only a driver but a friend as well.”

His accident was similar to the one which claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert in an F2 race four years ago, although that occurred slightly earlier in the lap at the exit of the famous Eau Rouge-Radillon sequence of corners.

Even so, Lance Stroll was the most vocal from the F1 world, telling Sky Sports: “It’s a tragic day for motorsport. It breaks my heart what happened. I think Eau Rouge at Spa needs some looking into, because we’ve lost two drivers now in the span of four years. It’s a really dangerous corner, and we say it every year. It’s not fair what happened today.

“I think that corner has to change. It’s way too dangerous, and I think every time we go through there it’s an accident waiting to happen. Today it happened again and we lost a young kid. It’s not fair.

The accident has reopened the debate around safety at Spa, which introduced extended run-off areas around Eau Rouge and Radillon last year in a bid to reduce the risks for racers.

The crest of the hill remains blind however, and Max Verstappen branded the decision to restart the race (the safety car had been out) in poor visibility as “totally unnecessary.”

Extremely sad to hear the news about Dilano today.. I want to send my condolences to Dilano’s family and loved ones.

Rest in peace 🥀 pic.twitter.com/4XeowMZCsi

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 1, 2023

“We are so sad to learn of the passing of Dilano van 't Hoff today at Spa-Francorchamps.

Dilano died in pursuit of his dream to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

Along with the entire motorsport community, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Stefano Domenicali pic.twitter.com/Kn0gklf9RN

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2023

Racing for you today. Rest in Peace Dilano Van ‘t Hoff ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RzDO22o6LO

— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) July 1, 2023

The F1 grid stands in silence in memory of Dilano van 't Hoff. #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/BX1teticWM

— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) July 2, 202