After missing the Hungarian Grand Prix, Felipe Massa won't be driving in this week's in-season test in Budapest, traveling home to focus on his health.

Massa was hit with a virus on Friday and pulled out of the remainder of the race weekend in Hungary, with Williams bringing in reserve driver Paul di Resta to replace unwell  Brazilian.

Williams will put Lance Stroll to work on Tuesday at the Hungaroring while F2 racer Luca Ghiotto will take over from the Canadian on Wednesday as initially planned.

Massa will hopefully make a full recovery in time for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, scheduled at the end of the month.

"I think we're optimistic," said Williams tech boss Paddy Lowe.

"It would be really a great shame if he wasn't ready for Spa. That's four weeks away so he ought to be in good shape by then."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Brundle: F1 title fight ‘far from over’ after McLaren triumph

Martin Brundle believes the Formula 1 world championship is heading into the summer break with…

1 hour ago

Antonelli: ‘Still a long way to reach Verstappen and Norris’ level’

Kimi Antonelli is sitting comfortably at the top of Formula 1’s 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings,…

18 hours ago

Szafnauer: Root cause of Aston Martin ‘mess’ planted five years ago

Former Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer has delivered a stinging verdict on Team Silverstone's…

19 hours ago

Hadjar details how he unlocked his consistency at Red Bull

Isack Hadjar believes one of his biggest challenges during his first season with Red Bull…

21 hours ago

Four classic German GP winners at the Nürburgring on this day

Down the years, August 4th has seen several German Grand Prix races held at the…

22 hours ago

Gasly: Alpine’s Dutch GP upgrade ‘critical’ for F1 midfield fight

Pierre Gasly believes Alpine’s upcoming Dutch Grand Prix upgrade package will be “critical” to the…

23 hours ago