Anthoine Hubert: Lewis Hamilton leads tributes to 'hero' F2 driver

The F1 and F2 community has paid a heartfelt tribute to Anthoine Hubert after the French driver died following a crash in the Belgian GP Feature Race at Spa-Francorchamps.

Hubert was involved in a high-speed accident with Juan-Manuel Correa on Saturday and, after being taken to the circuit's medical centre, the FIA confirmed he passed away at 18:35.

Anthoine Hubert has died aged 22

Correa suffered fractures to both of his legs and a minor spinal injury, and after undergoing surgery his media team say he is in a stable condition and resting in Intensive Care at CHU Liege hospital.

Sunday's F2 sprint race has been cancelled.

Hubert, 22, was a Renault junior and had two F2 victories this year, his rookie season in the feeder series with Arden Motorsport.

"If a single one of you watching and enjoying this sport think for a second what we do is safe you're hugely mistaken," said F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton on Instagram.

"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."

Renault said it has lost one of its "brightest young talents" in Hubert.

"Our thoughts are with Anthoine's friends and family at this tragic time," said team boss Cyril Abiteboul.

"Anthoine was a bright young man. His performance and conduct on and off track was that of a true gentleman and it was a pleasure and honour to have had him within our Academy.

"He will be sorely missed by our teams at Enstone and Viry. His spirit will remain with the team and we will race in his memory."