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Rob Smedley details Felipe Massa's 2009 crash aftermath

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 11:46 AM

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

Rob Smedley details Felipe Massa's 2009 crash aftermath

Summary

Rob Smedley recounted the harrowing moments following Felipe Massa's crash during the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix on a podcast. When a suspension spring struck Massa's helmet, Smedley initially perceived a mechanical issue. As he attempted to communicate with Massa, he heard disturbing sounds indicating severe injury. The team later realized the severity of the situation as Massa was flown to a military hospital in Budapest, where he underwent critical surgeries after being placed in a coma. Smedley described the trauma and eventual recovery efforts Massa underwent in the days following the incident.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Rob Smedley served as Felipe Massa's engineer during the 2009 crash.
•Massa was struck by a detached spring from Rubens Barrichello's car.
•Smedley heard unsettling noises over the radio after the crash.
•Massa underwent surgeries after being placed in a coma.
•The crash led to significant safety discussions in Formula 1.

Latest Updates

11:46 AMYahoo Sports — Felipe Massa’s Former Engineer Reveals the Horrifying Radio Message After His 2009 Crash

What they're saying

"
Rob Smedley spent years as one of Formula 1‘s most recognizable voices – the man on the other end of Massa’s radio, calm and direct through the chaos. But on a Saturday afternoon at the Hungaroring in July 2009, nothing…
— Yahoo Sports

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