2009 Formula One World Championship

The following teams and drivers competed in the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73897 |title=FIA revises final 2009 entry list |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=26 March 2009 |access-date=26 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329073259/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73897 |archive-date=29 March 2009 |url-status=live }} Teams competed with tyres supplied by Bridgestone.

{{Multiple image

| perrow = 2

| total_width = 300

| image1 = Mark Webber 2008.jpg

| caption1 = Vettel's teammate Mark Webber (pictured in 2008), finished 4th in the championship.

| image2 = Hamilton 2009 British GP 3.jpg

| caption2 = Lewis Hamilton, the defending World Champion, finished the season ranked 5th.

}}

One constructor entered free practice only drivers over the course of the season: Kamui Kobayashi for Toyota at the {{F1GP|2009|Japanese}}.{{cite news|title=Kobayashi stays on as Toyota reserve |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72788 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=15 January 2009 |access-date=15 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207183139/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72788 |archive-date=7 February 2009 |url-status=live }}

Honda withdrew ahead of the 2009 season, and the team was bought by a consortium led by team principal Ross Brawn. Brawn renamed the team Brawn GP, and raced with Mercedes engines, but retained Honda drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. Force India also raced with Mercedes engines, after running with Ferrari engines in {{f1|2008}}.

The only offseason driver change was following the retirement of Red Bull's David Coulthard after 14 years in Formula One. He was replaced by Sebastian Vettel, who had raced for Toro Rosso in 2008. Vettel's seat at Toro Rosso was taken by the Swiss driver Sébastien Buemi, who was Red Bull's test driver in 2008.

Following the German Grand Prix, Toro Rosso's Sébastien Bourdais was dropped by the team, with Toro Rosso principal Franz Tost claiming that the partnership had not met his expectations. Bourdais was replaced by Jaime Alguersuari ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Alguersuari had been racing in Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2009, and had only signed a deal to replace Brendon Hartley as Toro Rosso's test driver two weeks prior. Bourdais was advised by counsel to file suit for breach of contract by Toro Rosso. Toro Rosso settled the matter with a $2.1 million payment to Bourdais to avoid litigation.

After sustaining an injury during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ferrari's Felipe Massa missed the remainder of the season. He was replaced for the next two races by Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer, but after Badoer failed to score a single point in his two races, Ferrari replaced him with Giancarlo Fisichella who had signed a deal to be a Ferrari test driver for 2010 and had driven for Force India throughout the 2009 season. Fisichella's seat at Force India was taken by Vitantonio Liuzzi, who was Force India's test driver.

Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Renault parted ways with Nelson Piquet Jr. as he had failed to score a single point and allegations that he had intentionally crashed during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix surfaced. Piquet was replaced by Romain Grosjean, who was Renault's test driver.

In qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, Toyota's Timo Glock crashed heavily at the last corner and was airlifted to hospital with a leg injury. As he was not fit to race, Jarno Trulli was the only driver representing Toyota at the Japanese Grand Prix. On 11 October, Toyota confirmed that its test driver Kamui Kobayashi would make his race debut in the Brazilian Grand Prix, as Glock had suffered further complications from his accident, resulting in a cracked vertebra and he would not be guaranteed to be fit in time to race in Brazil. Kobayashi retained the seat in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

• Abu Dhabi made its first appearance on the F1 calendar under the name Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with a race being held at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on 1 November – the final round of the 2009 season. That meant the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the new final round of the 2009 season.
• The Japanese Grand Prix changed circuits from the Fuji Speedway in Oyama to the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka.
• The Canadian Grand Prix was originally scheduled for 7 June, but was cancelled due to lack of sponsors and contractual problems and was replaced by the Turkish Grand Prix; the Grand Prix returned the next year.[https://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/au-revoir-montreal-fia-cancels-canadian-gp-for-2009/ Au revoir Montreal: FIA cancels Canadian GP for 2009]David Hayhoe, Formula 1: The Knowledge – 2nd Edition, 2021, page 36.
• The French Grand Prix was originally scheduled for 28 June at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, but was cancelled due to the withdrawal of financial support by the government; the Grand Prix returned in 2018 at Circuit Paul Ricard.{{cite web |title=French GP for 2009 cancelled |website=Toronto Star |date=15 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930222650/https://www.thestar.com/sports/2008/10/15/french_gp_for_2009_cancelled.html |archive-date=30 September 2022 |url-status=live |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/2008/10/15/french_gp_for_2009_cancelled.html}}

File:F1 Slick Tires.jpgs were re-introduced for 2009.]]

File:Nico Hulkenberg Jerez Feb 2009 3681a.jpg

File:Sebastian Vettel Jerez Feb 2009 3585a.jpg

File:Renault R29 Jerez Feb 2009 3699a.jpg

The FIA released preliminary technical regulations for the 2009 season on 22 December 2006,{{cite web |title=FIA Formula One 2009 Technical Regulations |url=http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/90D889BE20961303C1257483004B8AC0/$FILE/1-2009%20F1%20TECHNICAL%20REGULATIONS%2011-07-2008.pdf |publisher=FIA |date=11 July 2008}} and these were revised several times to accommodate the findings of the Overtaking Working Group (formed in response to concerns that passing in wheel-to-wheel racing was becoming increasingly rare){{cite news|title=Top teams pass notes to improve overtaking |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2008/10/8472.html |work=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration Ltd. |access-date=28 January 2011 |date=3 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108081439/http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2008/10/8472.html |archive-date=8 January 2010 }} and the increasing need for cost-cutting in the sport to minimise financial costs.{{cite news|title=FIA confirms cost-cutting plans |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/12/8773.html |work=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration Ltd. |access-date=28 January 2010 |date=12 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621045826/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/12/8773.html |archive-date=21 June 2009 }}

• Slick tyres returned for the first time since they were abolished for the {{F1|1998}} season. Bridgestone continued to be the sole supplier of tyres, and drivers still had to use both compounds of tyre during a race.{{cite news|title=Bridgestone eyeing slick warm-up cure |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66122 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=27 March 2008 |access-date=27 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420090255/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/66122 |archive-date=20 April 2008 |url-status=live }} Soft tyres were differentiated by a green marking around the sides of the tyres, rather than a white marking in a groove as used in {{F1|2008}}.{{cite news|title=Bridgestone to use green markings |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73443 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=26 February 2009 |access-date=26 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301024437/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73443 |archive-date=1 March 2009 |url-status=live }} Further, wet tyres were renamed "intermediate" and extreme-weather tyres were renamed "wet".{{cite web|title=World Motor Sport Council – Decisions |url=http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/2009/Pages/wmsc_170309.aspx |publisher=FIA |date=17 March 2009 |access-date=17 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415155417/http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/2009/Pages/wmsc_170309.aspx |archive-date=15 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}
• The aerodynamic regulations were radically altered for the 2009 season. The front wings were made lower and wider, while rear wings were changed to be higher and narrower.{{cite web|title=2009 F1 Season technical preview|url=http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/2009-f1-season-technical-preview/|work=Racecar Engineering|access-date=28 January 2011|date=24 February 2009}} As well as the changes in the dimensions of the wings, bodywork became much more regulated with many of the additional components seen in previous seasons (including barge boards, winglets and turning vanes) removed, making 2009 cars noticeably different in appearance than in previous years. The diffuser at the rear of the car was moved back and upwards. Many other minor chassis components were also standardised. The aim of the new aerodynamic regulations, as well as the reintroduction of slick tyres, was to decrease reliance on aerodynamic downforce and increase mechanical grip with the aim of making wheel-to-wheel racing easier.{{cite web|last=Cheese|first=Caroline|title=F1 ready for racing revolution|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7906290.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=29 January 2011|date=4 March 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090310005759/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7906290.stm| archive-date=10 March 2009| url-status= live}}
• For the first time, cars were allowed to use driver adjustable bodywork, in the form of adjustable flaps in the front wing. The flaps could be adjusted by up to six degrees, limited to only two adjustments per lap. Adjustable front wings were designed to improve downforce when following another car, another change designed to improve overtaking.
• Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, a regenerative braking device designed to recover some of the vehicle's kinetic energy normally dissipated as heat during braking, were introduced for the 2009 season. The recovered energy can be stored electrically, in a battery or supercapacitor, or mechanically, in a flywheel, for use as a source of additional accelerative power at the driver's discretion by way of a boost button on the steering wheel. The regulations limit the additional power to around {{convert|82|hp|kW|abbr=on}} of 400kJ for six seconds a lap.{{cite web|title=The basics of F1 KERS|url=http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/the-basics-of-f1-kers/|work=Racecar Engineering|access-date=29 January 2011|date=14 April 2009}} The systems were not made compulsory, and because of concerns about both limited performance gains and safety implications only four teams opted to use the system during the season.
• While the FIA were planning on introducing a budget cap to limit the amount of spending by Formula One teams in 2008,{{cite news |url=http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=41635 |title=2009 Budget Cap |work=ITV-F1.com |publisher=ITV |date=19 January 2008 |access-date=19 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605080047/http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=41635 |archive-date=5 June 2011 }} the amount was not agreed upon and the budget cap idea was dropped. Instead, costs were brought down by a complete ban on in-season testing, a forced reduction in wind tunnel usage, the sharing of more data during race weekends, an increased minimum engine lifespan and gearboxes had to last for four races, and a penalty of five places in the starting grid was applied, should a driver change it during the weekend before the start of the race.
• Each driver was limited to a maximum of eight engines throughout the season, in addition to four engines for practice/testing purposes; using additional engines resulted in a 10-place grid penalty for each additional engine used. To aid improvements in reliability, the engines were detuned from 19,000 RPM to 18,000 rpm.{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2008/11/8741.html |title=A beginner's guide to the 2009 rule changes |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration Ltd. |date=27 November 2008 |access-date=29 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616034421/http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2008/11/8741.html |archive-date=16 June 2009 }}
• The rule stating that the pit lane is closed during a safety car period was scrapped in 2009. The rule was introduced in 2007 to prevent drivers rushing back to the pits to refuel, possibly speeding through a danger zone, but software was successfully developed to solve this problem.{{cite news|title=FIA confirms new safety car rules |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73020 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=27 January 2009 |access-date=27 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203071450/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73020 |archive-date=3 February 2009 |url-status=live }} The pit lane speed limit was also increased from {{convert|50|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} to {{convert|62|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.
• The FIA initially declared that the driver with the most wins at the end of the season would be the winner of the 2009 Formula One World Championship, but dropped the decision because of opposition from teams and drivers.{{cite news|title=F1 delays controversial new rule changes |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/03/20/hamilton.rules/index.html |publisher=cnn.com |date=20 March 2009 |access-date=20 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322215027/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/03/20/hamilton.rules/index.html |archive-date=22 March 2009 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73875 |title=FIA confirms points system unchanged |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=24 March 2009 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |access-date=24 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326150421/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73875 |archive-date=26 March 2009 |url-status=live }} Formula One Teams Association argued that FIA could not change the rules this close to the season's start without the full agreement of the teams.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73744 |title=Wins to decide world champion in 2009 |last=Elizalde |first=Pablo |date=17 March 2009 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |access-date=17 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090320035441/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73744 |archive-date=20 March 2009 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=45299 |title=FOTA say point change is invalid |publisher=ITV-F1.com |date=20 March 2009 |access-date=20 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322113601/http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=45299 |archive-date=22 March 2009 |url-status=dead }} Other proposals rejected by FIA were the introduction of a new points system with the scale 12–9–7–5–4–3–2–1 and to award medals for first, second and third place.

FIA President Max Mosley announced dramatic rule changes for the 2009 season in a bid to improve the spectacle of the sport, with the cars undergoing major changes in an effort to increase overtaking. The design changes significantly altered the design of the cars, incorporating wider and lower front wings, taller and narrower rear wings, and a reduction on aerodynamic bodywork. Also introduced were slick tyres and Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, as well as implementing cost-cutting measures in a response to the rising costs of competing.{{cite news|title=FIA confirms cost-cutting plans |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/12/8773.html |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration Ltd. |access-date=28 January 2010 |date=12 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621045826/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/12/8773.html |archive-date=21 June 2009 }}

Honda announced in December 2008 they would be leaving Formula One with immediate effect, as a result of the automotive industry crisis.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7766092.stm |title=Global crisis ends Honda F1 dream? |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=5 December 2008 |date=5 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205053059/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7766092.stm |archive-date=5 December 2008 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72322 |title=Honda confirm immediate F1 pull out |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=5 December 2008 |access-date=5 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206183210/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72322 |archive-date=6 December 2008 |url-status=live }} After a winter of uncertainty, it was confirmed on 5 March 2009 that the team would compete in the 2009 season as Brawn GP, with Mercedes engines, following a management buyout led by team principal Ross Brawn, and would retain the services of both Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello as drivers.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7927488.stm |title=Honda team to return as Brawn GP |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=6 March 2009 |date=6 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308172959/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7927488.stm |archive-date=8 March 2009 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73577 |title=Brawn GP takes over Honda Racing |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=5 March 2009 |access-date=6 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309013033/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73577 |archive-date=9 March 2009 |url-status=live }} Anthony Davidson, who competed for the Honda-backed Super Aguri team before their early withdrawal in 2008, joined Brawn as a test driver.

Force India joined Brawn GP in using the Mercedes engines by signing a five-year deal until 2013, having ended their previous supply contract from Ferrari.{{cite news |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72063 |title=Force India confirm Mercedes deal |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=8 November 2008 |access-date=8 November 2008}} The retirement of Red Bull Racing driver David Coulthard led to the appointment of Sebastian Vettel as his replacement,{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/7/8098.html |title=Sebastian Vettel to join Red Bull for 2009 |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=17 July 2008 |access-date=20 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903204734/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/7/8098.html |archive-date=3 September 2009 }} who left the Scuderia Toro Rosso team after a successful previous season including winning the Italian Grand Prix. Toro Rosso, a team designed to develop new Formula One drivers, saw co-owner Gerhard Berger sell his half-stake back to Red Bull, claiming that the new regulations would "leave no room for improvement for a small team like STR", Franz Tost took over as team boss.{{cite news|title=Berger: Toro Rosso will lose ground|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72253 |work=Autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=26 November 2008|access-date=9 April 2011}} Filling Vettel's race seat in Toro Rosso was Sébastien Buemi, who as part of the Red Bull Junior Team competed for Trust Team Arden in the GP2 Series.

The World Drivers' Championship would be decided in the traditional manner of points scored after Bernie Ecclestone's idea that the driver who won the most races be declared as the champion was scrapped following protests from the Formula One Teams Association. The teams were less successful in their attempts to have the long-running French and Canadian Grands Prix kept on the calendar,{{cite web|url=http://www.gpfrancef1.com/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20091027224739/http://www.gpfrancef1.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 October 2009 |title=Grand Prix de France – Formule 1 : 28 juin 2009 |publisher=Gpfrancef1.com |access-date=1 November 2009 }} with the organisers of both events pulling out due to financial issues.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71421 |title=FFSA cancels 2009 French Grand Prix |author=Pablo Elizalde |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=15 October 2008 |access-date=15 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017001438/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71421 |archive-date=17 October 2008 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/10/8483.html |title=FIA issue revised 2009 Formula One calendar |work=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=8 October 2008 |access-date=8 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010053332/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/10/8483.html |archive-date=10 October 2008 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/16/sports/motmagny16.php |title=French federation cancels 2009 French Grand Prix for economic reasons |publisher=International Herald Tribune |date=16 October 2008 |access-date=22 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207073914/http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/16/sports/motmagny16.php |archive-date=7 December 2008 }} The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix made its debut appearance as the last round of the season, at the Hermann Tilke-designed Yas Marina Circuit.{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/2/5604.html |title=Abu Dhabi gets Grand Prix for 2009 |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=3 February 2007 |access-date=3 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015040241/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/2/5604.html |archive-date=15 October 2007 }} The race, starting at sunset, was Formula One's first day-night race.{{cite web|title=Abu Dhabi to be first day-night Grand Prix |url=http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=46722 |work=ITV-F1.com |publisher=ITV |date=28 August 2009 |access-date=28 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830170457/http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=46722 |archive-date=30 August 2009 }}

The first multi-team testing session took place at Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona in November 2008, two weeks after the end of previous season.{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8716.html |title=Barcelona test heralds start of 2009 season |work=formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=17 November 2008 |access-date=22 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205143422/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8716.html |archive-date=5 December 2008 |url-status=live }} All teams, except Toyota, took part in the testing session where some teams tested their new aerodynamics package and slick tyres.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72165 |title=Sato goes quickest in Barcelona test |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=17 November 2008 |access-date=22 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204042226/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72165 |archive-date=4 December 2008 |url-status=live }} The new look cars did not suit everyone's taste, with BMW Sauber's test driver, Christian Klien, labelling the car the ugliest car he'd ever seen.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72176 |title=Klien: '09 BMW worst looking car ever |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=18 November 2008 |access-date=30 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207013824/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72176 |archive-date=7 December 2008 |url-status=live }}

The first 2009 test was held by Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain on 16–19 February, and the second and final testing was held by Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain on 9–12 March. The final test featured for the first time Brawn GP, who made an immediate impact by leading the times early in the day. The test was the first in which all teams used their 2009 cars and had BMW Sauber leading the times whilst Brawn GP were fourth.{{cite news |url=http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=45238 |title=BMW Sauber lead First day |work=ITV-F1.com |publisher=ITV |date=9 March 2009 |access-date=9 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310223519/http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=45238 |archive-date=10 March 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} On day three, Brawn GP's Jenson Button was fastest by just over one second to Ferrari's Felipe Massa,{{cite web|title=Barcelona day three – Button stuns in Spain |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/3/9009.html |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=11 March 2009 |access-date=22 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428112524/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/3/9009.html |archive-date=28 April 2009 }} while Button's teammate Rubens Barrichello went even faster the next day. At the other end of the timing sheets, reigning champion Lewis Hamilton's McLaren team were struggling to adapt to the new regulations, often 1.5 seconds off the pace.{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews/2009/3/9017.html |title=Q&A with McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh and Norbert Haug |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=13 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417024946/http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews/2009/3/9017.html |archive-date=17 April 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2009 }} Massa stated he had never seen McLaren so far behind.{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKTRE52C1TT20090313|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124133056/https://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKTRE52C1TT20090313|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 November 2020|work=Reuters UK|publisher=Thomson Reuters|title=Massa says McLaren never been so far behind|date=13 March 2009|access-date=10 April 2011}}

File:TF109 rear detail.jpg of the TF109 at Circuit de Catalunya]]

A major source of controversy throughout the winter season were the rear diffusers. Three teams – Toyota, Williams and Brawn GP – launched their cars with a diffuser that uses the rear crash structure in order to generate additional downforce, labelled "double diffusers".{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73083 |title=Technical analysis: Diffuser debacle by Craig Scarborough |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228183009/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73083 |archive-date=28 February 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2009 }} These designs were quickly protested, and just days after the cars were unveiled, rival teams asked the FIA for a clarification on the matter.{{cite news |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73038 |title=Teams to seek diffuser clarification|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=28 January 2009|access-date=9 April 2011|author1=Noble, Jonathan |author2=Straw, Edd }}

On the Wednesday of the season opening race in Australia, an official complaint was launched by the seven other teams against the rear diffusers of the Williams FW31, Toyota TF109 and the Brawn BGP 001 saying that they were illegal.{{cite news|url=http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=45325|title=Protests lodged against three teams|work=ITV-F1.com|publisher=ITV|date=26 March 2009|access-date=20 July 2010 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330035457/http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=45325|archive-date=30 March 2009}} The FIA scrutineers disagreed, declaring the cars legal.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7965056.stm |title= Date set for F1 diffuser appeal|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=28 March 2009|access-date=1 January 2010}} The other six teams filed an unsuccessful appeal which was heard on 14 April 2009 – the week prior to round three of the championship, the {{f1 gp|2009|Chinese}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/3/9075.html |title=FIA sets diffuser appeal date |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=28 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605173027/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/3/9075.html |archive-date=5 June 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2009 }}

{{clear}}

File:Jenson Button 2009 Turkey 2.jpg giving the newly formed Brawn GP their first win on their début; he subsequently won five of the six following races; and then he didn't win any of the remaining ten races of the season.]]

The season opened at the {{f1 gp|2009|Australian}}, won by Jenson Button with teammate Rubens Barrichello in second, giving the team a 1–2 on its début. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel had been running in second until he collided with BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica. The accident meant the race finished behind the safety car, with Toyota's Jarno Trulli eventually classified third despite McLaren's false protest he had illegally overtaken Lewis Hamilton.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7978186.stm|title=Hamilton loses Aussie GP points|date=2 April 2009|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=23 October 2009}} Reigning champion Hamilton was disqualified from the Australian race for lying to the stewards and at the following Malaysian Grand Prix there were reports he was on the verge of quitting.{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article6037246.ece|title=Lewis Hamilton wanted to quit over Melbourne lies |date=5 April 2009 |work=The Times|access-date=23 October 2009|location=London|first=Mark|last=Hughes}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The race was equally dramatic, being stopped because of monsoon-like conditions, meaning only half points were awarded for only the fifth time in F1 history. Button mastered the changing conditions for his second win, while quick starting Nico Rosberg dropped to eighth when the race was stopped.{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article6039351.ece|title=Jenson Button storms to second hit with victory at Thunder Road|date=9 April 2009|work=The Times|access-date=23 October 2009|location=London|first1=Edward|last1=Gorman|first2=Kuala|last2=Lumpur}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In the interval between races, the controversial double diffusers, used by Brawn, Williams and Toyota, were declared legal by the FIA, ending the fight over their use.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7996698.stm |title=Court rules Button's car is legal |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=15 April 2009 |access-date=15 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414182036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7996698.stm |archive-date=14 April 2009 |url-status=live }} The Chinese race also took place in wet conditions, with the rain throughout the duration of the race necessitating a safety car start and causing several accidents. Vettel led teammate Mark Webber to Red Bull's first win in Formula One, ahead of the two Brawns and McLarens.

Dry conditions at Bahrain saw the Toyota team gain the front of the grid, but Button managed to fight up from a fourth-place start, and overtook race leader Timo Glock on his first pit stop. Hamilton and Räikkönen, in fourth and sixth respectively, gave their {{F1|2008}} championship winning teams the best finishes of a disappointing season start.{{cite web|title=Button makes it three wins from four in Bahrain |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/4/9266.html |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=26 April 2009 |access-date=6 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091228021606/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/4/9266.html |archive-date=28 December 2009 }} The {{f1 gp|2009|Spanish}} was a battle between the Brawn teammates, with Barrichello getting ahead of polesitter Button while a first lap incident forced the retirement of four drivers. Button followed a different pit-stop strategy and passed Barrichello during his stop, leading Brawn's second one-two of the season.{{cite web|last=Beer |first=Matt |title=Button leads Brawn 1–2 at Spanish GP |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/75214 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |date=10 May 2009 |access-date=6 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608223745/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/75214 |archive-date=8 June 2011 |url-status=live }} Red Bull was the closest team to Brawn finishing third and fourth, while Felipe Massa's fuel shortage lost him places as he slowed to finish the race. Button won in dominant fashion at Monaco, leading the majority of the race from pole position ahead of his teammate Barrichello and Räikkönen, who scored Ferrari's first podium in 2009. At the {{f1 gp|2009|Turkish}} Vettel started on pole but lost the position to Button on the first lap. Button went on to win, followed by Webber and a closely pursuing Vettel. Barrichello's car developed a gearbox problem, and incidents with Heikki Kovalainen and Adrian Sutil resulted in Brawn's first retirement of the season. By winning six out of the first seven races, Button had opened up a 26-point lead on his teammate, with Vettel a further six points behind.{{cite web|last=Chaney|first=Sean|title=Brilliant Button on top in Turkey|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8087873.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|date=7 June 2009|access-date=27 October 2011}}

File:Sebastian Vettel won 2009 Japanese GP.jpg and their drivers reduced the respective championship leads of Jenson Button and Brawn GP during the mid part of the season.]]

The British Grand Prix was seen as a turning point, being dominated by Red Bull with Vettel leading home Webber, in dry conditions. Button was not on the podium for the first time this season, finishing sixth. Red Bull also dominated the following German Grand Prix with Webber taking his first pole and race win, despite being given a drive through penalty. Ferrari were also showing signs of improvement, Felipe Massa finishing third in what would be his final race of the season. He was hospitalised after being hit on the helmet by a flying spring when he was travelling at 162 mph in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix.{{cite journal|date=30 July 2009|title=How it happened|journal=Autosport |publisher=Haymarket Publications|volume=197|issue=5|page=13}} The accident overshadowed the race, with a lightly fueled Fernando Alonso on pole retiring early in the race, which was won by Lewis Hamilton. Jaime Alguersuari finished his début race ahead of Buemi, the Toro Rosso test driver replacing the fired Sébastien Bourdais.{{cite web|last=Cary|first=Tom|title=Jaime Alguersuari set to become youngest ever Formula One driver|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/tororosso/5870290/Jaime-Alguersuari-set-to-become-youngest-ever-Formula-One-driver.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/tororosso/5870290/Jaime-Alguersuari-set-to-become-youngest-ever-Formula-One-driver.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 July 2009|access-date=3 November 2011}}{{cbignore}} Post-race, the Renault team received a suspension for the European Grand Prix, for an incident where Alonso's tyre came loose on the race track following a pit-stop error.{{cite journal|url=http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/f1_media/Documents/hun09_document_45.pdf |title=2009 Hungarian Grand Prix – Document 45 |date=26 July 2009 |website=Fia.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile |access-date=3 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806034636/http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/f1_media/Documents/hun09_document_45.pdf |archive-date=6 August 2009 |url-status=dead }} An appeal overturned the decision, and the team raced in Valencia.{{cite news|title=Renault wins appeal, will race in Valencia|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77736|last=English|first=Steven|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=17 August 2009|access-date=3 November 2011}}

During the summer break, BMW Sauber announced their withdrawal from Formula One racing due to poor results and lack of financial sustainability.{{cite news |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77400 |title=BMW will quit F1 at the end of 2009 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications|first=Jonathan |last=Noble |date=29 July 2009 |access-date=4 July 2011}} The team would compete until the end of the season, while BMW attempted to sell the organisation. Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher was originally set to replace the injured Massa, but the seat was taken by test driver Luca Badoer due to Schumacher's neck injuries.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8186319.stm |title=Schumacher calls off F1 comeback |date=11 August 2009|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=19 October 2009}}{{cite news|first=Jonathan |last=Noble |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77618 |title=Schumacher cancels F1 comeback |work=autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publishers |date=11 August 2009 |access-date=11 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814102221/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77618 |archive-date=14 August 2009 |url-status=live }} Also replaced was Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr., who complained of unfair treatment by team management,{{cite news|url=http://www.crash.net/f1/news/150718/1/piquet_goes_insisting_flav_was_my_executioner.html |title=Piquet goes insisting: Flav was my executioner |work=Crash.net |publisher=Crash Media Group |date=3 August 2009 |access-date=3 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806040853/http://www.crash.net/f1/news/150718/1/piquet_goes_insisting_flav_was_my_executioner.html |archive-date=6 August 2009 |url-status=live }} in favour of GP2 driver Romain Grosjean.{{cite web|title=Romain Grosjean to race for Renault|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/8/9749.html|work=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|date=18 August 2009|access-date=4 November 2011}}

File:Adrian Sutil 2009 Singapore.jpg and McLaren both came from the midfield to the points in 2009.]]

The {{f1 gp|2009|European}} in Valencia provided the first win for Rubens Barrichello after Hamilton lost the lead with an error in the pits;{{cite web|title=European GP Race Report|url=http://www.grandprix.com/race/r814racereport.html|work=Grandprix.com|publisher=Inside F1|date=23 November 2009|access-date=8 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117131214/http://www.grandprix.com/race/r814racereport.html|archive-date=17 January 2010|url-status=dead}} he finished second while both Red Bulls failed to score. At the {{f1 gp|2009|Belgian}} Giancarlo Fisichella gained Force India's first pole position, and his second-place finish behind Kimi Räikkönen gave their first points. Button's title charge was undermined by poor qualifying and a crash, involving him, Hamilton, Alguersuari and Grosjean, ending their races. Following the race Badoer, who had qualified and finished last in both races, was replaced with Giancarlo Fisichella after his performance at the Belgian race.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78280 |title=Force India releases Fisichella to Ferrari |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=3 September 2009 |work=Autosport.com |publisher=Haymarket Publications |access-date=3 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906104147/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78280 |archive-date=6 September 2009 |url-status=live }} Vitantonio Liuzzi in turn took the vacant Force India drive.{{cite web|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|title=Force India confirms Liuzzi in second car|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78401|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=7 September 2009|access-date=5 November 2011}} Brawn returned to form in Italy, with Barrichello leading home the team's fourth 1–2 of the season. Lewis Hamilton crashed on the penultimate lap, but came back by winning the next race at Singapore. Webber's crash ended his chance of winning the championship. Vettel kept the opportunity of winning the Drivers' title with a dominant display in the {{f1 gp|2009|Japanese}}, with Toyota's Trulli gaining what would prove to be Toyota's final podium before their withdrawal at the end of the season. Toyota teammate Glock was injured during qualifying, and a cracked vertebra meant he was replaced by reserve Kamui Kobayashi for the final two races.{{cite news|title=Glock ruled out of Brazilian Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79383 |first=Matt |last=Beer |publisher=Autosport.com |date=11 October 2009 |access-date=11 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013165009/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79383 |archive-date=13 October 2009 |url-status=live }}

The Drivers' and Constructors' championships were both decided at the penultimate race in Brazil. Storm-affected qualifying at Interlagos gave Barrichello pole during Formula One's longest qualifying session,{{cite web|title=Qualifying – Barrichello rises to the challenge in Brazil |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/10/10106.html |work=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |date=17 October 2009 |access-date=7 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325105926/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/10/10106.html |archive-date=25 March 2010 }} while title rivals Button and Vettel started from 14th and 16th respectively. During the first lap, three incidents led to the retirement of three cars and a fire in the pit-lane, with Button taking advantage to move up the grid. Button fought up to fifth position by the race end, securing enough points to clinch the title.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8313300.stm |title=Brilliant Button clinches title |last=Whyatt |first=Chris |date=18 October 2009 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |access-date=18 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091020133013/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8313300.stm |archive-date=20 October 2009 |url-status=live }} Mark Webber took the lead after Barrichello pitted and won the race, followed by Robert Kubica, to give BMW Sauber their joint best result of their final season and his only podium result in 2009. Lewis Hamilton completed the top three after starting 17th on the grid, moving him and McLaren above Kimi Räikkönen and Ferrari respectively in the championships. The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking place at sunset, rounded out the season, with another win for Vettel and Red Bull's fourth 1–2 result of the year, awarding Vettel and the team second place in both championships.

{{Main|Renault Formula One crash controversy}}

In a scandal dubbed "Crashgate" by the media, allegations of race-fixing during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix emerged during the second half of the 2009 season from former Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. Over the course of the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix, Piquet, who had been sacked weeks earlier by Renault, claimed he was asked to crash at the Singapore race in a strategy designed to aid teammate and eventual race winner Fernando Alonso. Renault were handed a two-year suspended ban from the sport after the FIA World Motor Sport Council decided the team's managing director, Flavio Briatore and its executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds had asked Piquet to crash. Both had left the team before the WMSC hearing, where they were given life and five-year suspensions respectively. It had been rumoured Renault were prepared to quit the sport at the end of the 2009 season had the team been heavily punished,{{cite web|title=F1 awaits Renault's race-fixing verdict |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78764 |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |work=autosport.com |date=21 September 2009 |publisher=Haymarket Publications |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924234146/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78764 |archive-date=24 September 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=24 September 2009 }} but the FIA found Briatore and Symonds solely to blame and chose to suspend Renault's ban.{{cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/78770|title=Renault given two-year suspended ban|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|work=autosport.com|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=21 September 2009|access-date=1 November 2009}}

{{further|List of Formula One World Championship points scoring systems}}

Points were awarded to the top eight classified finishers.{{cite book|last=Jones|first=Bruce|title=Grand Prix 2010: The Official ITV Sport Guide|chapter=Final Results 2009|url=https://archive.org/details/grandprix2010off0000jone/|year=2010|publisher=Carlton Books|location=London, England|pages=124–125|isbn=978-1-86200-703-1|via=Internet Archive|url-access=registration}}

If two or more competitors had the same number of points (including 0 points), their positions in the championship were fixed according to the quality of their places.[https://web.archive.org/web/20100102012023/http://fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/f1/Pages/ChampionshipClassification.aspx 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship Classifications, www.fia.com] As archived at www.webcitation.org on 6 December 2009 Under this system one first place was better than any number of second places, one second place was better than any number of third places, and so on.

|valign="top"|

{{F1 driver results legend 7}}

|}

Notes:

• {{dagger}} – Driver did not finish the Grand Prix, but was classified as he completed more than 90% of the race distance.
• {{double-dagger}} – Half points were awarded at the {{f1 gp|2009|Malaysian}} as less than 75% of the scheduled distance was completed due to heavy rain.

|valign="top"|

{{F1 driver results legend 7}}

|}

Notes:

• {{dagger}} – Driver did not finish the Grand Prix, but was classified as he completed more than 90% of the race distance.
• {{double-dagger}} – Half points were awarded at the {{f1 gp|2009|Malaysian}} as less than 75% of the scheduled distance was completed.

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{DriverDB championship year|id=1|year=2009}}
• [http://www.formula1.com/ Official Formula One website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100921005349/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2009/ formula1.com – 2009 official driver standings]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100804193201/http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2009/ formula1.com – 2009 official team standings]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100102012023/http://www.fia.com/EN-GB/SPORT/CHAMPIONSHIPS/F1/Pages/ChampionshipClassification.aspx 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship Classifications as archived at web.archive.org]

{{Portal|Formula One}}

{{Formula One Championship}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2009 Formula One Season}}

Category:Formula One seasons

Formula 1