F1 – Mixed bag in Hungary for Massa, Alonso, Raikkonen and Hamilton

The freak accident that nearly killed Felipe Massa at the Hungaroring during qualifying, really ruined any hope that I would enjoy this weekend’s race. The NY Times (with uncharacteristic F1 coverage) and Sky News in the UK both have gruesome, but informative pictures. As I write this, the sketchy news is that Felipe is conscious, able to communicate – but not speak, and the extent of his eye injuries are unknown. Selfishly, I can only hope that his recovery is swift and complete so that my dream of a Alonso – Massa Ferrari lineup are fulfilled.

Speaking of Alonso, after spending some time at the front of the pack Alonso began to lose ground to the charging Hamilton. Then a fateful pitstop would send Fernando out onto the course with an improperly secured right front wheel – which subsequently flew off and bounced around the track. Between the Surtees horror in F2 and Brands Hatch last week and the two Hungaroring flying objects, it’s been a bit scary. The screw-up in the Renault pits was just a precursor to the fuel pump  that eventually ended Alonso’s day, which had begun on pole.

As for Raikkonen who is not my favorite Scuderia driver, I was happily surprised to see a second place finish to Lewis Hamilton who seemed to have been handed a whole new chassis, one that actually drives well. Now we have four weeks off and the silly season is in full swing. Hopefully, Felipe will rest easy and be back in the cockpit in time for Valencia.

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