A rising Mexican motorsport talent died on Sunday after being involved in a tragic car crash with his older brother, it has been confirmed.
Nascar driver Federico Gutierrez, 17, lost his life on Sunday after a vehicle collision in Mexico, while his brother Max, also an up-and-coming driver, sustained injuries from the crash.
The teenager, better known as 'Fico', was pronounced dead at the scene, while Max, 20, was airlifted to Mexico City hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening.
The accident was said to have occurred near Valle de Bravo, west of Mexico City, on Sunday when the brothers collided with another vehicle.
And the world of Mexican motorsport is now in mourning after Nascar confirmed the shock death of one of the country's most promising young racing drivers.
“We are devastated by the loss of our friend and driver Federico Gutiérrez Hoppe," Nascar's statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gutiérrez family during this difficult time.”
Federico was a star in the Mexican Truck Series and was named as the 2022 Nascar Mexico Challenge Series Rookie of The Year.
Brother Max Gutierrez competes in the premiere Mexico Nascar Series and has also driven in Nascar events in the United States.
Max's Truck Series team AM Racing released their own statement mourning the devastating loss of Federico.
“AM Racing extends our sincerest condolences to the Gutierrez family on their loss of their son, Federico," the statement read. “Fico was an extended member of the AM Racing family, often joining his brother Max trackside last season and we will forever cherish those memories.
“Our thoughts and prayers are not only with the family, but also with Max during his recovery and grieving process.”
Nascar Mexico president Jimmy Morales gave his own emotional tribute to 'Fico' in the wake of the tragic news. “We are struck by the deepest and immense sadness for the death of ‘Fico’,” he said.
“His life was fueled by his passion for motorsports and he will forever be a part of our memories. We will miss him very, very much. Today, we say goodbye to a truly wonderful human being and I will always remember the laughs we shared.”
