Welcome to the Racing for Dilano foundation
about us
Every injury is a defining moment in a young driver’s career. Racing for Dilano was created to honor Dilano’s legacy and ensure these moments become opportunities for a strong, safe, and performance-driven return.
IN MEMORY OF A REMARKABLE TALENT
When an injury sidelines a young driver, everything can come to a standstill. Racing for Dilano ensures that young motorsport drivers do not get lost in the gap between setback and comeback. Too often, talents are left without guidance, alignment, or the right support after a crash or serious injury.
The origin of the Racing for Dilano Foundation
I am Esther Schuller, mother of Dilano van ’t Hoff and founder of the Racing for Dilano Foundation. This foundation was born from personal experience. As a parent and coach in mental allignment and trauma, working with both body and mind, I witnessed firsthand how vulnerable young drivers are without a structured safety net during recovery. Having navigated multiple recovery processes in both my own sporting experiences and those of my children, I knew that fast, precise, and aligned support is essential, but it was missing during Dilano’s recovery.
Dilano’s talent and perseverance
Dilano was an extraordinary racing talent, with relentless drive and a promising career. In 2022, he suffered a complex clavicle fracture that immediately put his racing career under pressure. His initial recovery process, though medically supervised, lacked alignment between physical rehabilitation, strength development, and mental readiness. Just fifteen days after surgery, he was back in the race at Monaco, before his body had fully recovered.
From the very beginning, we stood by Dilano and ensured he received the guidance he needed. His sports physiotherapist from the karting world immediately made time for treatment, while his mental coach supported him throughout.
A fragmented recovery and complications
The recovery process was fragmented and slow. Six months later, during a race weekend in Barcelona, Dilano secured a podium finish despite ongoing pain. Post-race X-rays revealed a broken screw in the collarbone plate and incomplete bone healing. Further imaging—including MRI and CT scans—showed multiple screws had broken, and the bone remained unstable. Conventional healthcare delays prevented timely decisions, while competitive pressure remained constant.
Specialized expertise and rapid action
Thanks to a surgeon recommended through my father’s network, we secured a second opinion from a trauma surgeon specializing in shoulder injuries and serving as a professional cycling team doctor. Within two weeks, Dilano underwent surgery. It became clear that the collarbone plate was not strong enough to withstand the high G-forces experienced in motorsport—up to 4G during acceleration and cornering. During surgery, the plate was found to be loose and the bone compromised by a hospital-acquired infection.
Restarting recovery
Dilano remained in the hospital for two weeks, beginning the recovery process anew. These complications highlighted the importance of speed, specialized expertise, and sports-specific insights in safely bringing young drivers back to full performance.
The Tragic accident
On July 1, 2023, Dilano lost his life during a race at Spa-Francorchamps in heavy rain. On Raidillon, a fast and steep section with a 17% incline and a height difference over 40 meters, visibility is almost zero due to wheel spray. After the first impact, his gearbox was damaged, leaving him unable to control the car. He was then hit at full speed by a second driver, resulting in the fatal collision.
This accident underscores the need for real-time safety measures, including a steering-wheel marshalling system, so all drivers can simultaneously receive warnings and adjust their speed in dangerous sections.
The motorsport world reacted globally. Racing for Dilano stickers appeared on helmets, karts, and race cars, an inspiring symbol of respect, solidarity, and remembrance.
Dilano’s legacy
Recovery is not just physical. Injuries affect sporting identity, personal identity, self-esteem, and autonomy, adding multiple layers to the recovery process that purely physical guidance cannot resolve.
Dilano’s example forms the foundation of our approach, balancing the sport’s demands with the individual’s needs. Our goal is clear: a structured, professional safety net that allows young talent to return stronger, smarter, and fully prepared.
For those who did not know Dilano personally, this video provides a glimpse of his resilience, determination, and passion. It shows why his legacy holds such significance for young drivers.
Keep Racing for Dilano 
