F2 retires number 19 in honour of Hubert ahead of Spa return

Formula 2 has retired the number 19 in honour of the late Anthoine Hubert.

This weekend the series will contest the Belgian Grand Prix for the first time since Hubert was killed in a crash at Spa on August 31, 2019.

Further tributes will be paid to the Frenchman, including a logo bearing his initials, racing number and star – which formed part of his helmet design – being placed on every car from Formula 1® to Formula 3.

Hubert was 22 years old when he died, and had posted two wins in his maiden F2 season before it ended in tragedy.

A F2 statement read: "Nearly one year on from the tragic passing of Anthoine Hubert at Spa, Formula 2 officially confirms that the number 19 will no longer be used in the championship. 19 will forever be Anthoine's, in memory of the late Frenchman, whose star still shines brightly over our paddock.

"This weekend, Formula 2 will make an emotional return to Belgium, racing there for the first time since the heart-breaking accident on August 31, last year. To honour Anthoine, a logo has been specifically created using his initials, F2 racing number, and a key element of his helmet design - a star.

"This logo will appear in all F2 and Formula 3 communications to celebrate Anthoine's formidable achievements and his unique character. In a show of unity, teams from Formula One, F2 and F3 will display this logo on their cars throughout the weekend, showing that Anthoine will always be part of our racing family.

"A minute of silence will be observed on the starting grid ahead of Saturday's feature race, as the F2 family remembers Anthoine and shows his family and loved ones our unwavering support. On Sunday, F1 will also hold a minute of silence ahead of the grand prix, with many of Anthoine'­s friends keeping his memory close to their hearts.

"This weekend, and always, we will race for Anthoine. You can join us in honouring our friend by using #AH19 all week long."