Not to coin a phrase, but it's the end of an era. With the finish of the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher ended the greatest Grand Prix career of all time.

Formula One has lost two of its most unique drivers: Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve. Montoya was dumped— I mean, Ron Dennis decided that "with so many things happening in Juan Pablo’s life right now, he should take some time out of the car and prepare professionally and personally for the future.” Perhaps Mr. Dennis was referring to Montoya’s appearance at a press conference in front of sponsors' banners not affiliated with McLaren Mercedes, announcing he'd secured a seat in next year's NASCAR series…

Every race day, over a billion people watch Formula One on live TV.  No wonder Mercedes Benz, Honda, Toyota, Renault and Fiat spend hundreds of millions of dollars to race their hi-tech cars at circuits all over the world.  No wonder we’re witnessing a fight for the future direction of F1. In one corner, wearing red, silver, blue and white, are the teams, led by the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association.  In the other corner, wearing dark blue blazers, is the sport’s governing body, the FIA.  The battle comes down to two issues: technology and (surprise) money.