The Ferrari driver says it will be difficult to return to Spa 12 months after his friend Anthoine Hubert died in a horrifying accident during Formula 1 support race.
The 22-year-old BWT Arden team driver was killed during the feature Formula 2 race at Spa-Francorchamps after a high speed crash which overshadowed last year’s Belgian grand prix.
“The Spa-Francorchamps circuit has a very special place in my heart”
“While it is here that I took my first win it is also where we lost our friend Anthoine last year. It will be difficult to return to this track and he will be in our thoughts all weekend” said Charles in a Ferrari preview to this year’s race.
Pierre Gasly was also affected by the passing on of Hubert who was his friend and fellow countryman. They had lived together as they pursued their motorsport careers.
“However this year returning to Belgium will also be a sad moment because it is just one year ago that Anthoine lost his life after that terrible accident in F2 race at Spa-Francorchamps.” the AlphaTauri driver said.
“I had known him since I was seven years old in karting and we were in the same school together organised by the French Motorsport Federation, from when I was 13 to 19, we shared an apartment for 6 years.”
“I think everyone on the paddock will take time to think of him.”
The frenchman also added Spa is his favourite track and racing through all those high speed corners is a great thrill.
“I really enjoy driving it and have had great races there in the past.”
