Drivers, teams and executives from across the motorsport world have paid tribute to Dilano Van't Hoff after the teenager's death following a crash at Spa-Francorchamps.
The 18-year-old's death was announced on Saturday by the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) in which he was competing. The crash occurred during race two of the Belgium event.
It wet weather, Van't Hoff's car was seen to spin after contact with another racer. Then, though the thick mist of water thrown into the air by the cars, another arrived at high speed and hit into the side of his orange MP Motorsport machine.
The team said in a statement: "MP Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that our driver, Dilano van't Hoff has passed away as a result of a crash during the second race of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine at Spa Francorchamps.
"We are devastated at the loss of one of our brightest Dutch talents, who brought so much energy to our team during the years he raced with us. Dilano has been a part of our racing family since his motorsport debut with MP back in 2021.
"We offer our sincere condolences to Dilano's family and his loved ones, and are in full support of them and our team members who have lost not only a driver but a friend as well."
A minute's silence was held before the start of the Formula 2 Sprint race in Austria on Saturday, with the gesture set to be repeated prior to Formula 1 action at the Red Bull Ring. And plenty of famous faces paid tribute to the young Dutchman after hearing of his tragic death.
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said: "We are so sad to learn of the passing of Dilano van't Hoff today at Spa-Francorchamps. Dilano died in pursuit of his dream to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. Along with the entire motorsport community, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
Motorsport's governing body, the FIA, said: "The FIA extends its condolences to the family and friends of Dilano van 't Hoff and to the MP Motorsport Team following the incident today during the Formula Regional European Championship event at Spa-Francorchamps."
Championship leaders Red Bull wrote in a statement: "Our hearts go out to Dilano’s family, friends, and the larger motorsport community. Pausing to reflect on the tragic passing of this young man, far too soon."
And Max Verstappen said of his fellow Dutch racer: "Extremely sad to hear the news about Dilano today... I want to send my condolences to Dilano's family and loved ones."
And the Mercedes team also said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dilano van't Hoff following today's tragic incident at the Formula Regional European Championship event at Spa."
Silver Arrows driver George Russell added his own tribute: "I am truly saddened to hear of Dilano's passing today in Spa. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones." And Mick Schumacher also sent his "deepest condolences" to Van't Hoff's family and friends.
Ferrari racer Carlos Sainz 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."
