Belgium was struck by tragedy as 18-year-old Dutch racing driver Dilano van ‘t Hoff lost his life in a crash during a Formula Regional European Championship race at the renowned Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Van ‘t Hoff, a talented driver representing MP Motorsport, was competing in the second race when the accident occurred, leaving the motorsport community in shock.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit holds a sombre connection to the loss of drivers, as it was the same track where French driver Anthoine Hubert tragically lost his life in a Formula 2 race back in 2019. The organizers expressed their heartfelt condolences to Van ‘t Hoff’s family, team, and friends, recognizing the immense grief and sorrow that this incident brings.

In a joint statement, the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, and SRO Motorsports Group, along with Alpine and ACI, extended their sincerest condolences to the driver’s loved ones. The news had a profound impact on the motorsport community, with preparations for the headline GT race, the 24 Hours of Spa, being altered to pay tribute to Dilano’s memory. All start-line entertainments were cancelled, and a minute’s silence was observed before the race commenced.

The Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine serves as a vital platform for aspiring racers aiming to ascend to the prestigious FIA Formula Three Championship. The loss of Dilano van ‘t Hoff deeply saddened the motorsport world, with Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali expressing his grief on Twitter. He shared, “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.”

McLaren Racing Team also joined in expressing their condolences, stating, “The McLaren Racing Team are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dilano van ‘t Hoff in a Formula Regional race at Spa-Francorchamps today. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire MP Motorsport team”.