Massa opposes a reduction in his salary

Felipe Massa opposes a reduction in driver salaries to cut budgets. He believes that greater cost savings can be achieved elsewhere.

Stefano Domenicali, the Brazilian director, announced last week that drivers will have to get used to the idea of earning less so that their team can thrive better in these times of economic recession.

Read the article concerning Domenicali’s statements by clicking on the following link: Are driver salaries declining in 2009?

These observations have, unsurprisingly, prompted a response from one of the main parties involved, Felipe Massa, who suggests that teams should direct their cost reductions towards another area.

When asked at a UNICEF press conference in Sao Paulo if he supported his boss’s project, Massa stated: « I am not inclined to that kind of practice. »

« In a competitive sport like this, the driver plays a fundamental role and the cost of drivers represents only a small part of the teams’ total budget. »

Still in connection with this cost reduction in Formula 1, the 2008 vice-champion is totally opposed to the introduction of a standard engine in F1.

« I don’t find this idea interesting. Reducing costs is important, but a standard engine is far from a revolutionary idea. A Ferrari car with an engine that’s not its own! This also applies to Mercedes, Toyota, or Renault. »