Lewis Hamilton led the tributes to Anthoine Hubert who at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Hubert, 22, was involved in a devastating high-speed collision with Juan Manuel Correa on the exit for Spa's Eau Rouge.
Both cars almost disintegrated in the shocking crash.
Hubert's car spun off the barriers into the path of Correa, who was launched into the air by the impact.
Correa, who was last night in a stable condition in hospital, saw the remains of his car land upside down.
But an FIA statement announced the heartbreaking news that Hubert has succumbed to his injuries.
Hubert is a Renault development driver originally from Lyon in France.
He was the champion of the GP3 Championship last season and had already claimed two race wins in the F2 Championship this season.
The F2 Championship is a breeding ground for future F1 stars. Current drivers Lando Norris, George Russell and Alexander Albon all drove in the series last year.
Mick Schumacher, the son of legendary F1 champion Michael, was driving in the race when the crash happened, but escaped the damage.
Television cameras did not show replays of the crash and quickly ended their coverage of the event.
Tributes were paid to Hubert on social media.
Lewis Hamilton wrote on his Instagram account: "This is devastating. God rest your soul Anthoine. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family today."
Jenson Button wrote on Twitter : "Devastating news from Spa today, the super talented Anthoine Hubert succumbed to his injuries after an accident in today’s F2 race. rest in peace Champion"
Johnny Herbert added: "Terrible news that we lost a talented driver in ANTHOINE HUBERT here at Spa today. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this difficult time."
