Formula One News — July 2009

Michael Schumacher's planned return to F1 has grabbed the headlines in the last two days but Felipe Massa's progress in hospital has been impressive.

Despite the announcement that it is quitting Formula 1, the BMW Sauber team is going to honour its commitment to young drivers Alexander Rossi and Esteban Gutierrez.

The appeal lodged by the Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile (FFSA) on behalf of ING Renault will be heard on August 17 in Paris.

The word in Formula 1 circles is that things are going to get messy if Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore decides to drop Nelson Piquet from the team. Nelson Piquet Sr is no slouch when it comes to the politics of Formula 1.

Renault has announced a loss of $3.8bn for the first half of 2009. The company says that it is "showing resilience" an preparing "for the post-crisis period".

Ferrari has issued a statement announcing that seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher could come out of retirement to replace the injured Felipe Massa in Valencia,

BMW will not continue its Formula 1 campaign after the end of the 2009 season. Resources freed up as a result are to be dedicated to the development of new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability.

FOTA has reacted to the announcement that BMW is pulling out of F1.

Felipe Massa continues to make progress after his accident in Budapest. The Brazilian is now speaking, and has taken his first steps. He will leave the intensive care unit of the hospital today.

The FIA regrets the announcement of BMW™s intended withdrawal from Formula 1 but is not surprised by it.

BMW has called a press conference for today in Munich to discuss "current developments in motor sport". This has led to speculation that the company will be quitting Formula 1.

It has been a tough year for McLaren Mercedes, with the post-Melbourne scandal and frustrations of a car that was not competitive. But the Woking team is never to be underestimated - problems were solved and the MP4-24 became quicker.

The medical staff at the AEK Hospital in Budapest held a press conference today to give the latest details of the condition of Ferrari driver Felipe Massa.

Hungarian GP - Race Notes

The FIA has ruled that the ING Renault F1 team is suspended for the next Grand Prix, because a wheel fell off Fernando Alonso's car during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Hungarian GP - Sunday Photos

Hungarian GP - Sunday Press Conference

Hungarian GP - Sunday Team Quotes

Hungarian GP - Race Results

Fernando Alonso took pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix, but the final Q3 session was completely ruined by a failure of the timing system.

There are reports in Hungary that seem to suggest that Felipe Massa is in a more serious conditions than was first thought.

This evening Ferrari issued a statement on the condition of Felipe Massa.

Hungarian GP - Saturday Photos

Hungarian GP - Saturday Press Conference

Hungarian GP - Saturday Team Quotes