Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium): French driver Anthoine Hubert was killed in a car crash during the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium today (August 31).

The 22-year-old succumbed to his injuries, and passed away at 18:35 (local time), motorsport’s governing body Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) said in a statement.

Also read: Former F1 champion Niki Lauda breathes his last

Hubert raced for BWT Arden team. He had won last year’s GP3 Series. “The Frenchman, who was 22, suffered a huge impact from the car of American Juan Manuel Correa at about 170mph at the Raidillon swerves,” BBC reported.

In a message, Mercedes team said, “The entire Mercedes family sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Anthoine Hubert, and his Arden and Renault teams on this tragic day.”

India’s Karun Chandok wrote on his Twitter page, “Awful news about Antoine Hubert... A great talent taken away too young. My deepest condolences to his family, the Arden-HWA team & everyone at @FIA_F2 at this time.”

Here is the full statement from FIA

“The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regrets to advise that a serious incident involving cars #12, #19 and #20 occurred at 17:07 on 31/08/19 as a part of the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race at Spa-Francorchamps, round 17 of the season.

The scene was immediately attended by emergency and medical crews, and all drivers were taken to the medical centre.

As a result of the incident, the FIA regrets to inform that the driver of car #19, Anthoine Hubert (FRA), succumbed to his injuries, and passed away at 18:35.

The driver of car #12, Juan-Manuel Correa (USA), is in a stable condition and is being treated at the CHU Liège hospital. More information on his condition will be provided when it becomes available.

The driver of car #20 Giuliano Alesi (FRA) was checked and declared fit at the medical centre.

The FIA is providing support to the event organisers and the relevant authorities, and has commenced an investigation into the incident.”