F2 | Hubert's #19 Retired From Formula 2

[Paul Jeffrey]

The FIA has retired the #19 fielded by the late Anthoine Hubert.

French racing prospect Anthoine Hubert tragically lost his life in a terrifying accident at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit during the Formula One supporting F2 race in August, and in a mark of respect for the departed Frenchman, the FIA have confirmed his #19 will be permanently retired from F2 action.

A new award for best rookie has already been named in honour of the former BWT Arden driver, and the retirement of his racing number is another fitting tribute to mark the tragic loss of one of motorsports bright young talents.

 

[SellerieMitDip]

I'm kind of on both sides with this decision.

On one hand I like the fact they're showing respect for a driver by doing this and I clearly understand why they're doing it.

On the other side I don't really know if the #19 was Hubert's number in the first place. He obviously ran it last year in F2 but he didn't choose to run it (unlike Bianchi's #17). He was given this number because Arden finished P9 in the 2018 F2 Championship.

Nice gesture though, absolutely respectable. RIP!

 

[Deleted member 205301]

I'm kind of on both sides with this decision.
He obviously ran it last year in F2 but he didn't choose to run it (unlike Bianchi's #17).

100% agree, the act is symbolic, ok, but not needed (for the reason you exposed)
@++

 

[UMC 22]

I don't see that it matters if he "chose" it or not. #19 was the number he ran regardless of why, and as a mark or respect it's been retired. That's it, and it's a fitting tribute.

 

[Craig Patteson]

I don't see that it matters if he "chose" it or not. #19 was the number he ran regardless of why, and as a mark or respect it's been retired. That's it, and it's a fitting tribute.

100% agreed

 

[A man with a Harmonica]

The drama... keep like this and the race cars will have complex numbers, "x^2=-1 wins the Italian GP"... Maybe they should retire #2 number since Senna died in Tamburello. #27 Villeneuve, no need go on.

 

[RobertGracie]

They did the right move retiring number 19 as a mark of respect for Anthoine Hubert, it was only right they did that.....

 

[lordpatou]

Internet, the magical place where you can argue with anyone about any anything.
Who cares about a number on a car.

 

[EduCalza]

I agree, right decision in my opinion.

 

[Cote Dazur]

Let's hope this is the last time we ever have to do that.

 

[Dobermann92]

I don't want to be a prick, but if we did this in the past a lot of numbers would be out of the question now. I think we shouldn't glorify numbers (not even in other sport categories).

 

[Eckhart von Glan]

i always saw drivers sticking to their number rather than teams being awarded numbers by organizers as a marketing ploy, and i never liked it. retiring a number permanently in this view extends the marketing beyond the grave. well intentioned but questionable.

 

[Dazmaniac]

I can understand the sentiment behind it, but if 19 was only allocated to him (based on team finishing position from previous season) and not his personal choice of number (like the driver numbers are in F1), what if he was a defending champion this year and was running No.1, would they have retired that number?

 

[Sennin_San_Sensei]

It's not the first time, and probably not the last, this i happening. A few times in Indycar if i remember (yeah i have internet, but i'm lazy this morning)

I don't understand why people have to argue if it's bad or good... The man is dead, it won't change anything, and he will be forgotten in few decades, only written on books and internet. But let's not forget it for the moment.

 

[Deleted member 205301]

what if he was a defending champion this year and was running No.1, would they have retired that number?

In F2 (and F3), the #1 is not for the defending champion, but for the team wining team's championnship last year... maybe you don't know, but in F2/F3 if you won the title, you're not allowed to defend it, you have to quit the serie^^
@++