Domenicali speaks out on Alonso, Massa and Hamilton
Stefano Domenicali praised Fernando Alonso but put pressure on his teammate, Felipe Massa, who could be replaced by a promising young driver after 2012. The Italian team's principal also took the opportunity to dismiss the possibility of Lewis Hamilton in the more or less near future.
During a press meeting at the Wrooom Summer 2011 days, Stefano Domenicali, team principal of the Scuderia, considered Fernando Alonso to be the current No. 1 driver in Formula One.
The summer trend being about comparisons, the Italian also indulges in the stylistic exercise and ventures a comparison between the Spanish driver and Michael Schumacher: « I see a lot of similarities with Michael Schumacher, a driver who contributed to our history. However, I can say that in some areas Fernando is even better: for instance, the speed with which he integrated into the team and the way he became the leader, whereas Michael took much more time. »
In his column for ESPN, HRT driver Vitantonio Liuzzi also had high praise for the Spanish driver: « Although Vettel leads the championship, I think Fernando Alonso is the most impressive driver of the top 5 or 6 this year. He’s doing an amazing job with the Ferrari, has had some very good races, and has made very few mistakes considering he has to push hard. He always makes a difference. »
From then on, it becomes difficult for any teammate to exist alongside the Iberian driver, and Felipe Massa suffers greatly from the comparison, having only managed to outperform his teammate in qualifying once this year, in Hungary, thanks to a mistake by the Spaniard on his last flying lap. Often suggested to be leaving, pushed towards the exit by the Maranello leaders due to a lack of results, the Brazilian driver has seen potential replacements line up over the past two years but nevertheless retains the confidence of Stefano Domenicali… in the medium term: « I have seen him in clear progression during the last races, and I am sure he will do very well in the second part of the season. Felipe must stay calm and make the most of his many qualities: he is a very fast driver on a single lap, even if he needs to improve a bit in terms of consistency in race results. Of course, it’s not easy to be confronted with someone like Fernando, but for him, it should be a motivation, not an excuse. For us, it is fundamental to have Felipe at his best, considering that, at least for another year and a half, he will be one of our drivers. »
The native of Sao Paulo indeed has a future in red, but for the moment, it is limited to 2012, and it seems understood that the Brazilian will need to perform at his best to even consider a contract extension, especially since Stefano Domenicali is already considering the succession of the Brazilian driver: « For the future of Ferrari, I believe the right combination would be one experienced and seasoned driver [Editor’s note: Alonso has extended his contract until 2016] combined with a young driver of great talent and potential. »
The latter could be Sergio Perez, who recently extended his contract with Sauber until 2012, or even Jules Bianchi, who will be “facing” the Mexican driver during tests in September. But a new name is intriguing the media today to replace Felipe Massa, that of Lewis Hamilton, who has recently not ruled out the possibility of driving for Ferrari one day without making it a goal or a necessity.
Obviously, Stefano Domenicali was asked about the possibility of the British driver moving to Maranello and took the opportunity to dampen the media’s enthusiasm on the matter: « I’m pleased he said we should never say never about Ferrari, and it’s logical that everyone aspires to come to Maranello someday, given what we represent in the history of this sport. That said, it doesn’t seem to be an issue on the agenda, either in the short or long term. »
