Seeing Massa struggle in the Spainish grand prix, even spinning off at one point has really put my doubts about his racecraft on high alert now. I bought up Perez to replace Massa months before Brundle and Coulthard said it today, which shows that the rumours are getting out regarding the Brazilians future. (My insanity is actually paying off for once.) There's no doubt that there are 3-4 drivers better than the likes of Massa that are in lesser teams. I had hoped for him to return to his 2008 form, but it's looking unlikely now with Alonso outclassing him at every GP. Lewis surely can't be picked over Perez for the second seat, not with Alonso at the helm so it has to be the young Mexican.
I wouldn't rule out the possibility of Ferrari signing another top driver (Hamilton or Vettel). Unlike McLaren, Ferrari would be able to deal with the drivers properly. I do agree that 2011 could be Massa's final year at Ferrari
Both Sauber drivers will be in the frame. Hulkenberg maybe. Kubica would be first choice if Alonso allowed it.
When did Alonso veto a Kubica move? He has said in the past he would welcome any teammate - the Kubica veto was just a rumour.
ffs my best mate is a Kubica fan.........I don't need 2 people I know trying to gang bang me at every GP.
And you know that how? And Alonso isn't going to come out publicly and say he doesn't want a quick teammate because psychologically it sends the wrong message to his rivals.
The thing that annoys me about Massa is that he is so lackluster, I hope it is his last year at Ferrari because he really does not deserve to drive for them. I would like Kubica, Hulkenberg, or either Sauber driver to take over, and then Bruno Senna to replace whoever replaces Massa.
Jaime-Ricciardo Massa-Perez Sutil-Hulk Webber-Kobayashi In order of likelyness after this season IMO.
Would they really take on a driver who only has one season under his belt though? Surely they'd want someone with a bit of experience and F1 racecraft who could really mix it with the Red Bulls and McLarens wouldn't they? Unless Massa gets some seriously bad results, I think they'll stick with him for another year. If Glock hadn't arsed up his career by going to Virgin, I think he would've been in with a shout.
But would Ferrari want it? I think they want to have an era with Alonso (hence the long contract) perhaps similar to what they did with Schumacher. They might just want a number 2 capable of scoring good constructors points. In a Webber/ Button role.
Good point. At the moment, Newey dominates F1 and it's going to take an incredible job by Ferrari to even match Newey. For that reason, it's important that Ferrari have 2 strong drivers, and a solid No.2 could be the best approach. However, anyone who is good enough to be close to Alonso in the same machinery will not appreciate playing second fiddle to Alonso.
I am not sure if they will hire Perez because have Ferrari ever hired a rookie driver? I think they will hire a driver who can win races, maybe Rosberg or Kubica, I do not think Alonso would veto them because I am sure he feels that in equal machinery he can beat anyone. Another driver I would like to see replace Massa would be Kimi Raikkonen, I thought when they sacked him it was a mistake because he and Alonso could be an awesome combination, you would have Raikkonen's amazing raw speed and singular approach to racing, while Alonso would be the leader and always get the most out of the car.
Massa is looking very messy. He needs to bounce back as Schumacher just did by having a really good race at Monaco. Things are not looking too good for him except that I believe he already has a contract for next year. Then again, Ferrari paid Raikkonen to walk awayââ¬Â¦
I'm not sure Monaco is the deadline but, yes - soon. If the car's good in Canada and Massa's not then the writing will be on the wall. His contract may well be honoured by Ferrari in 2012 but maybe they'll pack him off to join that group of ladies-in-waiting they have (Bianchi, Fisichella, Gené). A straight swap with Perez or (fingers crossed) Kobayashi would be my bet, though. Is Buemi too much of a long shot for everyone? The 'Alonso blocks Kubica' thing was Martin Brundle supposing that is what might have happened, I believe. Hamilton likes to suggest that Alonso needs number one status but I subscribe to the view Mifune expressed - that Alonso believes he can beat anyone in the same car with equivalent status. He may have an opinion on who would be best for the team, though.
Well I would agree with Buemi being able to replace Massa, but he's under a Red Bull contract so it doesn't look likely. I reckon Sauber will lose both drivers to certain top flight teams after this year, which ones? we shall see etc...
I feel very sorry for Felipe, I was welling up when he exited the track and came to a stop on the gravel, sort of sums up his seasons since Alonso arrived.
Kimi is talking about coming back to f1, so why not ferrari. The Iceman and Alonso, would be a great team. There are also countless rumours that Vettel, after his Red Bull contract is up at the end of 2014 is going to join ferrari, as the long term replacement of Alonso. Massa NEEDS to go, and I don't understand why they got rid of Raikkonen in the first place, if not to placate Alonso in not having a more recent WC (and someone that beat HIM to the title) as a teammate, and it could've been ferrari being nice to a wounded Felipe. Either way, Massa is never going to match Alonso, so why should we keep him
