Carlos Reutemann in serious condition once again

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F1 legend Carlos Reutemann has suffered another episode of gastrointestinal bleeding while in special care in a hospital in Sante Fe, which has led his doctors to offer a guarded prognosis.

Last May, the 79-year-old former Grand Prix driver was hospitalized for 16 days at the health institution after suffering a digestive hemorrhage.

Reutemann's condition required an operation that proved successful and eventually allowed him to return home.

But an elevated fever and signs of dehydration led to Reutemann's return to the Sanatorio Parque's ICU in early June where he has remained in special care ever since, surrounded by his family and two daughters.

However, Reutemann suffered earlier this week another episode of digestive bleeding coupled with kidney problems that have "worsened his conditions" according to Argentinean news agency Telam.

In the wake of the news, daughters Cora and Mariana were submitted to the hideous winds of the internet when it was falsely reported that their father has passed away.

"My dad is bad. But he is still alive. Respect please, " wrote an angry Cora Reutemann on Tuesday evening on Twitter.

During his F1 career, Reutemann took part in 146 Grands Prix from 1972 to 1982, winning races with Brabham, Ferrari and Williams, and missed out on the 1981 F1 world championship by a single point against Nelson Piquet.

After retiring from motorsport, Reutemann embarked on a political career in his home country, becoming the governor of his native province of Santa Fe. He has served in Argentina's senate since 2003.

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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.