Today we lost a bright star of the future in Dilano van ‘t Hoff. The young Dutch driver passed away today after he sustained a crash during the FRECA Round 2 race at Spa-Francorchamps. However, the sport hasn’t let this loss go in vain. Many Formula 1 drivers and teams took to their social media accounts to mourn his loss. Though, Lance Stroll has come back swinging to ensure that we never see such an incident ever again.

After the unfortunate events of today, the Aston Martin driver issued a strong statement intent toward the organizers of events to ensure that such a tragedy doesn’t happen again. Given the circumstances of today’s event, Stroll’s input is welcome.

Lance Stroll issues strict word of warning

Hoff was a former Spanish F4 champion. Arguably he was on his way into F1 very soon. But this sport can be a cruel mistress. And as soon as the unfortunate fate Hoff went through surfaced, the Canadian came out with some strong words.

According to The Race, Stroll cited how changes are crucial at the Spa track & how the sport talks about it but then the matter dies down after some time. He said, “It’s not fair what happened and that corner needs to be looked at and changed because we’ve lost two young talents in the span of five years. It needs to be changed, that corner [referring to Eau Rouge-Raidillon]. We’re going there in a few weeks. It’s horrible what happened today.”

Lance mentioned how at the upcoming Belgian GP, all drivers along with the F2 & F3 prodigies will race & risk their lives at Spa. So, the FIA & the track authorities should not let this matter fizzle out this time around. He stated, “We discuss it but then it blows over, and it needs to be changed. They need to do something. They’d be playing with fire again in a couple of weeks. And it’s not just us. F2 kids, F3 kids. Everyone that goes through that corner.”

Max Verstappen also emphasized the need to implement changes for avoiding such massacres. While he stated how the weather is also a big factor in this, this also points toward the alternate solution – if the FRECA race should have been red-flagged.

Read More: Family Member of Dutch Prodigy Dilano Van’t Hoff, Who Passed Away Today, Thanks Max Verstappen for Inspirational Contribution

Regardless, Verstappen & even Stroll’s teammate Fernando Alonso mentioned how today was absolutely unnecessary & we lost a precious life of an 18-year-old prodigy. A lot of F1 drivers have felt the impact of Hoff’s loss.

Tributes stream in for Dilano van’t Hoff

Hoff’s demise has had a profound effect on this sport. And as soon as this news broke out, the world of F1, including drivers, teams, and paddock insiders rushed to their social media accounts to share their tributes.

Drivers like Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc poured in with their comments. Verstappen wrote, “Extremely sad to hear the news about Dilano today.. I want to send my condolences to Dilano’s family and loved ones. Rest in peace.”

Will the sport learn now?

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