Ferrari threaten bloody retreat
It has been another turbulent week in sport's most tempestuous arena.
Racism was on the agenda again at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, Ferrari threatened to drive away from Formula One – with Toyota and Renault caught in their slipstream – and even Rubens Barrichello admitted he is unhappy with life as the second most successful driver of the season.
The 2009 campaign is only five races old, but the F1 narrative continues to provide more twists and turns than the Circuit de Catalunya. It was there that Jenson Button extended his lead at the top of the drivers' standings, crossing the line before his rivals to secure his fourth victory in five starts.
Barrichello finished second, but then outlined fears that his Brawn-GP team are favouring his British team-mate – the accusation has since been rebuked by team principal Ross Brawn.
The controversy stemmed from changes to their scheduled pit-stops; both drivers were instructed to make three during the race in Barcelona, but Button only visited the pit lane twice as his car was performing quicker than Barrichello's, despite carrying a heavier fuel load.
The Brazilian, who clashed with Brawn over a similar matter when they were both at Ferrari in 2005, cited his reluctance to remain in the team if he suspected Button was receiving preferential treatment.
However, as the season unfolds, and if F1's newest outfit continue to dominate, Brawn will most probably have to make that decision and risk the wrath of one of his drivers.
Lewis Hamilton was also making headlines in Spain, but not those regarding his skills on track. A fan sporting a McLaren t-shirt was pictured with a blacked-up face, arms and hands 15 months after the world champion was subjected to racist taunts during a test session at the same circuit.
The incident prompted the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to launch EveryRace, an anti-racism initiative, last year and Barcelona were said to be at risk of losing their place on the calendar. The FIA are investigating last weekend's episode and a decision regarding the venue's future is expected later this month.
It is a busy time for world motorsport's governing body, as the heated row concerning their proposed £40 million (Dh221.4m) budget cap continues to rumble on – Ferrari, Toyota and Renault have threatened to withdraw from the sport, arguing the new regulations would contribute to a two-tier championship.
Under the proposal, teams could either continue to spend whatever they wanted on improving their car or enjoy greater technical freedom should they choose to operate within the budget.
Max Mosley, the head of the FIA, has stated that F1 can survive without Ferrari, but that argument seems naïve considering a third of all fans at grands prix turn out just to see the Italian manufacturers in action. The deadline for next season's registration is May 29, giving both sides two weeks to find a resolution.
Expect even more twists and turns before then.
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