F1: pigs fly after Hungarian pa race

Micheal Schumacher came dangerously close to killing Rubens Barrichello as they raced down the main straight at the Hungaroring on Sunday. Barrichello was faster, demonstrably so, and on fresh rubber as the race came to an end, had a clear advantage. Schumacher repeatedly tempted his former team-mate to pass on one side, then the other, and then slammed his car in front at the last moment. Technically, that's within the rules so long as it doesn't count as weaving, although Rubino complained to his team about the conduct.

But then the Williams tucked up behind the Mercedes which was to the right of the track, the Brazillian bobbing out and pulling alongside. The German turned right, pushing Rubens off the track, over the white line and almost into the wall as both cars raced at top speed towards the first corner. Rubens completed the move - but with all four wheels off the track, arguably grounds for being forced to give up the place.

But the situation was clear: Schumacher had driven dangerously, deliberately forcing his rival off the track.

The stewards agreed. Schumacher pressed his case before the media and whilst the investigation took place. He was smug: he had gone right to tell Rubens to pass on the left, he smirked.

A ten place grid penalty for Spa is not much of a punishment: in rugby, making a life-threatening tackle could result in a three match ban, even in soccer, a hard tackle results in being sent off or a ban. Even Schumacher now says he "crossed the line" with the move. A much more serious punishment is warranted but at least something has been done.

And so it is with Ferrari. They, too, were smug after their team orders were found out. A financial penalty was no dissuasion: they are in the hunt for minor honours in both the championships. But it has been confirmed that the FIA will itself consider a further penalty: stripping both the team and the drivers of their points (but not their positions i.e. not a formal exclusion from the results) would be the correct decision.

So, be careful and watch overhead. It seems that pigs really do fly.