F1 observe minute’s silence for Dilano van ‘t Hoff after driver died in high-speed crash

A minute’s silence was observed before Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix following the death of Dutch driver Dilano van ‘t Hoff.

The 18-year-old tragically lost his life in an accident on the track during the second race of the Formula Regional European Championship on Saturday.

The incident occurred four years after Anthoine Hubert died in a multiple-car crash in a Formula 2 race on the same section of the track.

Footage which leaked on social media showed that, due to the rainy conditions on the track, the MP Motorsport driver lost control and span out before another driver collided into him.

Van ‘t Hoff was in his second full season racing in FRECA. In his first, he took one podium at Barcelona, finishing third at that event in 2022.

Formula One drivers held a minute’s silence before the start of the Austrian Grand Prix

Tributes throughout the racing community where quick to be posted onto social media

Reigning world champion and Van ‘t Hoff’s compatriot Max Verstappen led tributes to the youngster on social media, writing: ‘Extremely sad to hear the news about DIlano today.

‘I want to send my condolences to Dilano’s family and loved ones.’

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz also paid his respects following the announcement of the news. 

He wrote: ‘Terrible news from Spa. We’ve just learned Dilano Van’t Hoff has passed away after a big accident in Formula Regional. 

‘It is an extremely sad day for the entire motorsport family and my thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends. RIP Dilano.’

Ahead of Saturday’s Formula 2 race at the Red Bull Ring, all members of the respective teams stood on the grid to observe a minute’s silence for the driver.

The Formula 1 community did the same before Sunday’s race that saw Verstappen lead the grid ahead of the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Sainz.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris rounded out the top five starters.