Travelling for the first time since COVID-19 struck earlier this year, Formula 2 driver, Juan Manuel Correa, returned to Spa-Francorchamps for the first time since his life-changing accident.

Not only to pay tribute to Anthoine Hubert, one year on from the devastating accident that sadly took his life, but to repatriate himself into the paddock for an anticipated return.

During a weekend of mixed emotions Correa was invited to Live chat with Alex Jacques @fiaf2championship.

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Correa talked about his accident and recovery, Anthoine Hubert, and his plan to return to Formula 2 at the end of the 2020 season.

I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to see all the people from the paddock again. But also it’s going to be a very sad and emotional weekend for me.

We miss you, mate. ? pic.twitter.com/peyItJ7KpE

— Juan Manuel Correa (@JMCorrea__) August 27, 2020

It’s exactly one year since the crash happened. I felt that there was a way for me to close the chapter. More importantly to pay my tribute to Anthoine.

I’m actually looking for a comeback next year. So, earlier than we thought initially. But it’s looking good.

I still have quite a few surgeries to go but the whole metal thing around my leg should be gone by the end of this year which means I can jump in a car maybe as early as December.

This is great news for the paddock who welcomed Correa back with open arms.

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Me & @JMCorrea__ are on a push lap ?? pic.twitter.com/wz9Tm6eSxl

— Robert Shwartzman (@ShwartzmanRob) August 27, 2020

I feel like everyone has been behind me. It really showed the type of family we are in. You know we race against each other. It’s a very competitive environment but at the end of the day it’s a small world and we’re all in the same boat.

 

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LAP 19/25

19 will always be your number, Anthoine ??@JMCorrea__, the teams, mechanics, and everyone else in the pit lane clap in his memory#AH19 pic.twitter.com/rApeaEZ7xA

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) August 29, 2020

 

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When talking about friends in the paddock he spoke fondly of Uni-Virtuosi driver, Callum Ilott.

You know he’s a really good friend of mine. A lot of them I’ve kept in touch with.

 

Correa will no doubt reflect on the accident and loss of Hubert for years to come. This weekend’s visit to Spa-Francorchamps is a significant step in his rehabilitation.

It’s hard for me to talk about him. Already driving here today. Looking at the track etcetera. It gives me chills and everything I do it just reminds me of him.

What else can I say? It’s still unbelievable what happened. It doesn’t seem real in a way.

It just makes me sad. Also for his family. I think a lot about them as well. I’m here to make a tribute to him. I’m here mostly for him this weekend. To kind of close the chapter and start looking forward.

"I want to come back racing and I want to do it for him… I want to follow our dreams"@JMCorrea__ on Anthoine Hubert#AH19 ?? pic.twitter.com/Bz5jFJlswL

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) August 31, 2020

We here at insideF2 wish Juan Manuel the very best for his future, and our heartfelt sympathies to Anthoine’s family.

* Image Credit: (C) Formula Motorsport Limited