Berger thinks that keeping Massa "would make no sense"
Despite generally very disappointing performances, Felipe Massa may be renewed by Scuderia Ferrari for 2013. A renewal that would not be well-received by everyone, starting with Gerhard Berger, a former driver for the Italian team.
With the recent movements in the transfer market and his podium in Suzuka, many believe that Felipe Massa will more than likely save his seat at Ferrari for 2013. An announcement could even be made at this weekend’s Korean Grand Prix. However, this possible extension would be somewhat surprising given the numerous criticisms the Brazilian has faced since the start of the season, being unable to compete on equal terms with Alonso.
Seeing Massa in red again next season would no doubt cause some consternation among observers, including Gerhard Berger, himself a former Ferrari driver.
« It wouldn’t make any sense. It’s never just about a single race. I would put Hülkenberg or Di Resta in his place. They are young and fast, exactly what Ferrari needs for the Constructors’ Championship, » the Austrian stated to the German newspaper Auto Bild.
However, beyond his podium in Suzuka, it is clear that since the Belgian Grand Prix, Massa has regained form by regularly finishing in the Top 5 – 3 times out of 4 – and has scored 44 points compared to 25 between Melbourne and Hungary. This is proof that the Brazilian is still capable of delivering strong performances, which does not surprise Sebastian Vettel, who defends the Ferrari driver.
Many people forget what he achieved and that he lost the title by just one point to Lewis [Hamilton]. If he had been world champion, people would talk about him differently. It’s a shame to see how quickly people forget. In 2008 he was one of the best, and today he is no longer, regrets the double World Champion German who adds that for him Massa can be as fast if not faster than Alonso: With all the respect I have for Fernando, I think Felipe can be as fast and sometimes even faster than him. I don’t always understand why the difference between them is so great.
To replace him, Hülkenberg, Di Resta, and also Kovalainen are regularly mentioned and might therefore find themselves forced to stay with their respective teams for at least another season. Unless Sauber decides to dispense with the services of Kamui Kobayashi in 2013. But for that, we’ll have to wait a little longer, even though the Swiss team will reveal its driver duo before the end of the championship.
