Motorsport pays tribute to "hero" Hubert killed in Spa F2 crash

Hubert was involved in a huge accident early on in the feature race supporting the Belgian Grand Prix, and the FIA announced he had died shortly after from injuries sustained in the crash.

Hamilton described Hubert's death as "devastating" as he reacted to the news in a series of posts on Instagram.

"God rest your soul Anthoine," Hamilton wrote. "My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family today."

The five-time world champion followed up his initial message by urging followers of motorsport to "appreciate" what drivers do more.

Hamilton said Hubert, a Renault F1 junior who had won two races in his rookie F2 season, was a "hero" for following his dream in a dangerous sport.

"If a single one of you watching and enjoying this sport think for a second what we do is safe your hugely mistaken," Hamilton added.

"All these drivers put their life on the line when they hit the track and people need to appreciate that in a serious way because it is not appreciated enough.

"Not from the fans nor some of the people actually working in the sport.

"Anthoine is a hero as far as I'm concerned, for taking the risk he did to chase his dreams.

"I'm so sad that this has happened. Let's lift him up and remember him.

"Rest in peace brother."

The 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button also took to social media to pay tribute to Hubert, as did multiple F1 drivers and teams and some of Hubert's contemporaries in F2.

Jenson Button, 2009 F1 world champion: Devastating news from Spa today, the super talented Anthoine Hubert succumbed to his injuries after an accident in today's F2 race. rest in peace Champion

Esteban Ocon, 2020 Renault F1 driver: Can't believe it, we had the same age, we started racing together and battled on track for years. All my thoughts goes to his family. Repose en paix Anthoine

I can not believe it. RIP my friend ❤ pic.twitter.com/vuiWBSMuPV

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) August 31, 2019

Carlos Sainz Jr, McLaren F1 driver: No words. My deepest condolences to Anthoine's family and friends. Rest in peace.

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 driver: Rest in peace Anthoine...

Fate is brutal. The loss is endless. Anthoine, we miss you already.

— Mick Schumacher (@SchumacherMick) August 31, 2019

Jordan King, Formula 2 driver: Saddened to the core to hear of this, All my thoughts and condolence are with the family and friends of an amazing young man at this terrible time

Gone far too soon. I can't believe it. Rest In Peace Anthoine. ❤️
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ul0WBLflSy

— Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) August 31, 2019

Prema Racing F2 team: It's with great sadness and a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a friend and an amazing competitor. We want to offer our sincerest condolences to Antoine's family and friends.

Callum Ilott, F2 driver: I'm lost for words, goodbye my friend

Patricio O'Ward, Red Bull Junior: My prayers and condolences to the Hubert family.. I cannot express how sad I am to hear this news. What a gent, and what a great driver. Gone too soon. Rest in peace my friend. You will always be in our hearts @AnthoineH

Nyck de Vries, F2 points leader: Can not believe it. No words can describe this loss. RIP Antoine, my friend.

Sauber Junior Team F2 squad: Everyone at the Sauber Junior Team extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Anthoine Hubert, and to our colleagues at Arden, after today's tragedy at Spa-Francorchamps.

I have no words.. We lost one of the best, one of my best friends in the paddock. Antoine the angels will be with you up there. We miss you already. Repose-toi en paix ❤️ pic.twitter.com/seXhymhtYx

— Louis Delétraz (@LouisDeletraz) August 31, 2019

Otmar Szafnauer, Racing Point F1 CEO and team principal: "It's almost impossible to find the right words at moments like these, but we are all devastated to hear the tragic news from today's Formula 2 race.

"Anthoine was a wonderful person and a tremendous racing talent who had already enjoyed great success in the sport.

"We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and supporters."

Mercedes F1 team: 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.

Haas F1 Team: Haas F1 Team sends its deepest condolences to Anthoine Hubert's family following this evening's tragic news. Our thoughts go out to them as well as Arden, Renault and the FIA F2 community at this time.

McLaren F1 Team: It is with deep sadness that McLaren Racing learns of the passing of Anthoine Hubert in today's Formula 2 race. The team sends its heartfelt condolences to Anthoine's family and loved ones, his colleagues at the Arden team, and the entire F2 community.

Williams F1 Team: From everyone at ROKiT Williams Racing, our thoughts and prayers go out to the colleagues, friends and family of Anthoine Hubert following the tragic news in Spa today.

Pedro de la Rosa, ex-F1 driver: My most sincere condolences to Antoine Hubert's family and friends RIP. What a great racer.

Toyoharu Tanabe, Honda F1 technical director: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Antoine Hubert. On behalf of the Honda Motor Company, I offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Giedo van der Garde, ex-F1 driver: This day has gone from peak to low. Absolutely speechless by the death of Anthoine Hubert. Thoughts are with him and his loved ones. Rest In Peace.

Pirelli, F1/F2/F3 tyre supplier: All of us at Pirelli feel so incredibly sad to hear the tragic news about Anthoine Hubert, which has just been made official. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, team, and many friends

We are devastated by the news of Anthoine Hubert's tragic passing

All our thoughts are with his family and friends

He will never be forgotten pic.twitter.com/IJtA9hyJNw

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 31, 2019