Dutch driver Dilano van ’t Hoff, 18, dies after tragic accident in junior race at Spa

The 18-year-old tragically passed away after an incident in the Formula Regional European Championship

Dutch driver Dilano Van ’t Hoff has tragically passed away after an accident during the Formula Regional European Championship at Spa on Saturday.

The 18-year-old, racing for MP motorsport, lost his life after the incident in wet conditions in the final few minutes of race 2 on Saturday morning at the track in Belgium.

The circuit, Spa-Francorchamps, issued a statement on Saturday saying: “Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine sadly announces the death of MP motorsport driver Dilano Van ’T Hoff.

“The incident happened during Spa-Francorchamps race 2. We want to express our sincere condolences to the family, team and friends. Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps and SRO Motorsports Group join Alpine and ACI in expressing their sincerest condolences to the driver’s family, team and friends.”

Van ’t Hoff was racing in his third season in the series, having won the Spanish F4 Championship in 2021.

His team, MT Motorsport, stated: “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.”

F1 president 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.”