In this special edition of F1 Story, we want to remember Charles Leclerc’s first victory, which came at Spa in 2019 after the tragic loss of his friend, Antoine Hubert. That weekend was an anomaly, filled with ominous signs and marred by events that are still unexplained to this day.

Yet, amidst all that darkness, the star of the Monegasque driver began to shine even brighter. With a Ferrari that was not considered top-class, he pushed beyond limits, throwing his heart over obstacles and surpassing Hamilton’s Mercedes as a tribute to Antoine.

It was a bittersweet victory, but one that deserves to be etched in the annals of Formula 1 history.

F1 Story: Spa-Francorchamps

The Weight of History

It was a warm summer Sunday in 2019, and the atmosphere at Spa-Francorchamps was filled with contrasting emotions. Charles Leclerc, the young and talented Monegasque driver for Scuderia Ferrari, was gearing up to face one of the most demanding races of the F1 season. Little did anyone know how extraordinary and devastating that weekend would turn out to be.

The sun shone over the breathtaking landscapes of the Ardennes, but Leclerc’s thoughts were focused on performing well that weekend. The night before the race, he had contemplated deeply on the challenges and responsibilities of driving for a legendary team like Ferrari. He felt the weight of history and the expectations that had accumulated since his early days in the world of Formula 1.

The Loss of Antoine

But there was something different about that weekend. A profound sadness overshadowed the joy that should have accompanied the fight for victory. Two days before the race, during the F2 Sprint Race, a tragedy had shaken the entire paddock. Antoine Hubert, a friend and colleague of Leclerc, had died in a terrible accident.

Antoine and Charles had known each other since their karting days. They had grown up together, supporting each other through tough times (like the death of Jules Bianchi) and celebrating successes together. But now, Hubert’s life had been cut short in an instant, casting a dark specter over all the drivers who, like Leclerc, had known him.

On the day of the race, the sky was gray and menacing, almost as if to remember and underscore what had happened. Leclerc’s heart was broken, and his eyes were swollen with tears as he put on his helmet. He had decided to race in honor of Antoine, paying tribute to his memory and showing the world just how talented and beloved the young French driver had been.

Together One Last Time

The race began, and Leclerc unleashed himself on the track. He displayed incredible courage and determination, challenging every opponent and overcoming every obstacle. His driving was pure poetry, and every corner seemed like a choreographed dance with his SF90. It almost felt as though Antoine was with him, guiding him invisibly, urging him to give his all to achieve that first victory that had seemed like a chimera in that cursed and unfortunate 2019 for Charles.

Laps went by, and the finish line seemed closer and closer. But the memory of Antoine never left him. When spectators looked up at the sky, hoping that rain would spare the track, Leclerc looked at the inscription “RIP TONIO” on his helmet and at that French flag flying at half-mast in Antoine’s honor.

Fate, however, had another plan. Insidious rain started to fall, turning the track into a slippery battlefield. Leclerc had to stay focused and not lose control of the car, as Antoine had. Every corner was a risk, but the young Monegasque couldn’t afford to slow down.

He couldn’t. It wasn’t his destiny. He had to win at Spa, in that race of that F1 season. To prove to himself that he was stronger than death. Stronger than fate, which had taken away his dearest loved ones until then. His beloved father, Hervé (who died prematurely at 54 after a long illness), his adopted brother Jules Bianchi (who tragically lost his life in an accident at Suzuka in 2014), and finally, his friend Antoine Hubert.

A Victory Full of Meaning

Finally, the finish line arrived for real. The checkered flag waved, and Leclerc crossed it first. A mix of joy and sorrow engulfed him. He felt happy for his first Formula 1 victory, but the loss of Antoine made him suffer. Tears streamed down his face, and a sense of emptiness enveloped him. He wanted to celebrate, but he felt there wasn’t much to celebrate.

After arriving in the podium park after the race, he remained still in the car for several minutes. Almost as if he needed to collect himself and avoid showing his immense grief in a moment of extreme joy. In the post-race team radio, Charles said: “This one is for Antoine.” A thought dedicated immediately to his departed friend, even though those moments should have been all for him.

The podium was the place of the most intense emotions. When Leclerc lifted the trophy, he dedicated his victory to Antoine Hubert by pointing to the sky with his finger. The entire crowd applauded not only for Charles’s victory but also for the friend who had left too soon. Joy and sadness merged into a surreal atmosphere.

Charles Leclerc’s victory at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019 will always be remembered as one of the most poignant races in Formula 1 history. It was an extraordinary display of courage and determination, but also a moment to remember a talented and kind-hearted driver who left too soon. Antoine Hubert will remain in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will live on forever in the world of racing, just like Leclerc’s victory on that special day at Spa.