Strength shown by Hubert's family "phenomenal" - Ricciardo
Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo has praised the "phenomenal" strength Anthoine Hubert’s family has shown in returning to Spa-Francorchamps one year on from the youngster's death.

Hubert was killed in a crash during last year’s Formula 2 feature race at Spa, and a minute’s silence took place ahead of the category’s event yesterday. A further ceremony is planned before the Belgian Grand Prix.
Ricciardo was deeply affected by the death of the Renault junior driver 12 months ago, and admitted at the time that he even had doubts about carrying on racing after the tragedy.
But while time has healed much of Ricciardo’s pain, he says he has been impressed with the way the Hubert family has conducted itself.
“To see some of his family still here this weekend...I would imagine there would be so much kind of animosity at this venue for his family, and for them to even want to be in the circuit surroundings, I just can't imagine that's easy,” he said.
“So for them to show up again...I just take my hat off. The strength and I would say peace they have with it, is nothing short of phenomenal.”
Read Also:
Ricciardo said that while time had helped him better cope with the events of 12 months ago, he said that returning to Spa had been emotional.
“Time does heal certainly,” he said. “So I will say it is a little easier 12 months later, but it's still difficult.
“We're all on the grid before the F2 race, and it's still very present, I guess is probably the best word.
“And yeah, coming back here. You don't feel that affect as much say two weeks ago, when we're racing around Barcelona. But coming back to the place of the accident, there's something there. So it's still fresh in a way. But it is a bit easier to keep to the back of your mind on track after a year.”
Related video

Previous article
Racing Point explains failed qualifying strategy at Spa
Next article
The Belgian GP as it happened

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Event | Belgian GP |
Drivers | Daniel Ricciardo , Anthoine Hubert |
Author | Jonathan Noble |
Strength shown by Hubert's family "phenomenal" - Ricciardo
Why Russell was right to be wrong about Bottas after Imola F1 clash
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas' collision at Imola on Sunday prompted fury in the Formula 1 paddock. But Russell's carefully-worded heartfelt statement later, acknowledging that his initial response was wrong, proved the right move
How Verstappen and Hamilton’s Imola clash sets the tone for 2021
In Max Verstappen's Formula 1 career to date, he has been cast as the 'pretender', an acknowledged top-line performer without the car to regularly challenge Lewis Hamilton. But that no longer applies in 2021, and the start to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was the most telling signal yet of what we can expect from their duel this year
How "overwhelming" McLaren move has given Ricciardo a new verve
Daniel Ricciardo has found a new lease of life at McLaren – a move that’s been years in the making, as he explains to STUART CODLING…
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...