Racing driver Dilano van 't Hoff dies aged 18 after horrific multi-car crash at Spa

Dilano van 't Hoff has died at the age of 18 following a crash at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday.

12:13, Sat, Jul 1, 2023 | UPDATED: 15:10, Sat, Jul 1, 2023

Dilano Van't Hoff has died at the age of 18 following a horrific crash at Spa-Francorchamps

Dilano Van't Hoff has died at the age of 18 following a horrific crash at Spa-Francorchamps (Image: MP MOTORSPORT)

Dutch racing driver Dilano van 't Hoff has died at the age of 18 following a crash at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday. The teenager was killed in a horrific accident involving multiple cars at the notorious Raidillon curve in wet conditions while racing for MP Motorsport in the Formula Regional European Championship.

His death was confirmed via an official statement from the racing series, which read: "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 two.

"We want to express our sincere condolences to the team, family 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 team, family and friends."

Van 'T Hoff was in his second full season of racing in the Formula Regional European Championship after taking a single podium in Barcelona in his debut campaign. He had previously taken part in two separate Formula Four championships, finishing second in the UAE version before claiming the title in the Spanish series in 2021.

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The incident took place at the infamous Raidillon curve at Spa-Francorchamps

The incident took place at the infamous Raidillon curve at Spa-Francorchamps (Image: GETTY)

Meanwhile, the 24 Hours of Spa event announced following Van 'T Hoff's death that all pre-race entertainment plans had been cancelled, while a minute's silence will also be held before the start of the race to honour the 18-year-old's memory.

A statement read: "Everyone associated with the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is devastated by the news that Formula Regional EU by Alpine driver Dilano van 'T Hoff lost his life in an accident during this morning's race. We express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and MP Motorsport."

Tributes have also been flooding in from the world of Formula One, with CEO Stefano Domenicali saying on behalf of the organisation: "We are so sad to learn of the passing of Dilano van 'T Hoff today at Spa-Francorchamps.

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The crash occurred in wet conditions and involved multiple cars

The fatal crash occurred in wet conditions and involved multiple cars (Image: GETTY)

"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."

Van 'T Hoff's team MP Motorsport added: "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."

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