F1 Season has Ended, Winner Decided in the Last Second of the Brazilian Grad Prix

Going into the Brazillian Grand Prix, the final race of the Formula One season, Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) was seven points ahead of the man in second place, Felipe Massa (Ferrari), for the drivers championship.  For Felipe to win the drivers title, he not only had to take 1st, but Hamilton had to place 6th or worse for Massa to close the points gap and take the championship.

Massa was driving hard and held a commanding lead for most of the race, only falling behind during a pit stop.  Hamilton started the race in 4th place, dropped to 7th, but was able to regain some of his lost ground by the last two laps.  It was raining out and the track was pretty wet.  Many drivers went to the pits to change into a set of rain tires, but Toyota’s rookie Timo Glock took the gamble and stayed on dry tires.  That gamble would prove to payoff, but not for Glock.

Entering the last couple of laps in 5th place, Hamilton had to maintain or improve his positioning to win the drivers race.  It was looking good until Sebastian Vettel was able to squeeze by Hamilton, knocking him down to 6th place.  If these positions held, Massa would take the championship.  Felipe crossed the finish line in 1st place and it looked as though the race was over, but then the unimaginable happened.  Glock couldn’t hold his position in 4th place during the last corner and both Vettel and Hamilton over took him. The whole thing happened so fast, even the camera’s missed it.  Massa, his crew and family were rejoicing over his win, only to find out that Hamilton had taken 5th.

It was as close as close can get and was an amazing finale for the season.  Hit the jump to get a list of the final standings for the Grand Prix and the Drivers Title.

Source: AutoBlog

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Ferrari Might Drop F1 if FIA’s Standard Engine Rule Passes

FIA, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, is trying to push through standards for Formula One teams that will constrict competitive advantages, cut costs and make F1 a pure race for the best driver. Although many manufacturers and race teams are not opposed to measures that help reduce costs, most feel that cost reductions should not come at the expense of technological advancement. Ferrari, who has competed in Formula One racing since 1950, will seriously consider leaving the sport if standardized engines become a new regulation.

The Formula One Teams Association called a meeting Geneva a few days ago to discuss alternative options for cost reductions. Toyota agrees with Ferrari and firmly believes that “Formula One must remain a technological challenge” and that other means of cost reduction must be considered. If Max Mosley, President of the FIA, is able to pass this standardized engine measure it will go into effect no later than 2010. Hopefully FIA will come to their senses and not push away auto manufacturers that support the F1 sport.

Hit the jump to read Ferrari’s full statement.

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