Advertisement

'What a story': F2 driver to return after 'horrendous' fatal crash

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·3-min read
Juan Manuel Correa (pictured left) is pushed in a wheelchair in a leg brace and (picture left) a crane lifts a car after a devastating crash in 2019.
Juan Manuel Correa (pictured left) is pushed in a wheelchair after a devastating crash (pictured right) in 2019. (Getty Images)

Former F2 driver Juan Manuel Correa will make his astonishing return to driving after more than a year out following horrific injuries when he was involved in a crash that killed a fellow driver.

Correa spent more than a year in a leg brace after several surgeries following his Formula 2 crash that tragically killed Anthoine Hubert in 2019.

WOW: Unseen footage of Michael Schumacher aired in new documentary

WHAT ON EARTH: Fans erupt over F1 star's shock new look

Hubert had lost control of his car and hit the barriers before American Correa unavoidably crashed into him at around 250 km/h at the Raidillon corner at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Hubert's Arden car was demolished in the accident and he died from his injuries 90 minutes later.

But in a remarkable turnaround for Correa, the 21-year-old is set to return in F3 after 16 months out.

“First of all, I’m extremely happy to be back after what I’ve been through," he said.

"I am super thankful to ART Grand Prix; it means a lot to me that they’re believing in me and my comeback. F3 is a transition year, my dream is still to reach F1 and this is the first step in my comeback.

Juan Manuel Correa (pictured) is pushed in a wheelchair after suffering horrific injuries in an F2 crash. (Getty Images)
Juan Manuel Correa (pictured) is pushed in a wheelchair after suffering horrific injuries in an F2 crash. (Getty Images)

"My targets are a bit ahead of myself, because I still have to do a lot, I have not driven a car for a year and a half and there is a big learning curve ahead.

“I’m entering this season with an open mind, I won’t put pressure on myself, I will do my best, I will do what I love and that’s already a victory."

Fans praise Correa’s incredible comeback

ART team boss Sebastien Philippe said: “Since his horrendous accident in Spa, on August 30th 2019, Juan Manuel has been through a lot of phases, always fighting while keeping in mind that he did not want to give up on his dream to keep racing at the highest possible level.”

"Juan Manuel is an example of bravery and tenacity and ART Grand Prix is proud to give him the opportunity to return to racing.”

Fans were quick to praise the incredible comeback after 16 months on the sideline.

Correa, who was 20 at the time, broke both legs and suffered a spinal injury in the crash.

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.