The great F1 race of 2009

Formula One entered a previously un-chartered land in the year 2009, a road that saw the emergence of new sharks on the asphalt, a destiny that brought down the hegemony of the Red and the White behemoths.

Vineet Sharma

Formula One entered a previously un-chartered land in the year 2009, a road that saw the emergence of new sharks on the asphalt, a destiny that brought down the hegemony of the Red (Ferrari) and the White (McLaren) behemoths. Not only was the year beset with shocks and surprises ranging from life threatening accidents to off the track scandals, it also saw the ushering in of a new top brass for many teams. There was drama, there was speed, but most importantly, there was a great script that time will unfold as racing buffs wait for a new kind of a racing experience in the coming year.Brawn GP/ Jenson Button Brawn GP raced to take the honours and earned respect as they shrugged-off Honda’s ghosts. The results saw them leading both drivers’ as well as team’s standings. Jenson Button ended the year as the numero uno racer and earned himself a lot of respect. Sadly, the same could not be said for Lewis Hamilton, the sensation of 2008. Ferrari and McLaren faced the wrath of the smaller teams this time around, finishing not at the usual first and second positions, rather tugging along in the middle of the tables. Ferrari/ Massa accident It was a major heartbreak for the Red Monsters as their star raced Felipe Massa almost died on the track due to an ominous spring that shocked the world. Thankfully, Massa survived and is soon going to race full throttle. Force India Force India finally broke-out from obscurity, earning one podium finish and raising the hopes of a nation once more. The team was upbeat about a pleasant ‘surprise’ from the time testing began at Jerez Circuit and they delivered their promise. We’d like to see what other promises are fulfilled in the coming year. Fisichella got them the podium finish at the Belgium GP.F1 Controversies It was a year of controversies off the track too. McLaren were tried and held responsible for showing Jarno Trulli in bad light after a pass gone sour. Their new sporting director Dave Ryan had to face the axe following the debacle.