Massa and Grosjean should keep their seats in 2013
If the future of the Brazilian was not assured during the first part of the season, it seems that he should nevertheless keep his seat for 2013. For the Lotus driver, however, it is due to recent events that doubts have arisen, doubts that are unlikely to materialize.
If the transfer market has mainly been marked by seat changes, some drivers could see their collaboration with their current team extended despite some uncertainties.
The first in this case would be Felipe Massa. Announced as leaving from the start of the season, the Paulista could ultimately be retained by Ferrari for an additional season. His recent results, his podium in Japan, and his fourth place right behind Fernando Alonso at the South Korean Grand Prix, argue in his favor and could seal his fate. Asked whether he had any certainties about his future in red, Felipe Massa told our colleagues at Autosport after the race: « No, I don’t. But, nevertheless, we are waiting for the moment. When you have the green light from both sides, that’s when you are sure. I think it will be the case very soon to be honest. »
More evasive, Stefano Domenicali promises a quick announcement: « Very soon, you will know what our position will be on this matter. » The Ferrari team director continued on the recent performances of the Brazilian: « Of course, I think he understands the car better now, he understands the tires better and above all, Felipe is a very, very good driver because otherwise we would have already made a different decision. So, I feel that now Felipe has the understanding of the tires and the car under control, he is at the level he needs to be. »
Once mentioned as a replacement for Massa if he were to leave, Nico Hülkenberg could ultimately find refuge at Sauber, another reason to believe that the fate of the Ferrari driver is destined to remain linked to that of the Scuderia, as has been the case since the 2006 season.
The second driver who should keep his seat is Romain Grosjean. The Franco-Swiss, whose first season with Lotus is considered generally good, was not really under the threat of unemployment in F1 in 2013 until after the break, but the two incidents for which he was held responsible resulted in a wave of hostile reactions against him. Is that reason enough not to renew his contract? That’s not the opinion of Eric Boullier, the Lotus director and the manager of the French driver interviewed by the *BBC Sport*, for whom the situation is clear: He has been reassured about his future and the fact that he will stay with us, but I can’t announce it today. There is a context, with the FIA and the race suspension, so I have to do it at the right time. We have internal discussions. Everything is ready, the contract is ready, and it has been approved by the Board of Directors. It’s just a question of finding the right opportunity to do it.
« He knows he has our support. If that wasn’t the case, he wouldn’t be here today. » After a first experience in F1 in 2009, replacing Nelson Piquet Jr. for the last seven races of the season, Romain Grosjean accumulated experiences in lower categories before making a comeback to the top category through the front door as GP2 champion. « He’s a quick, talented driver; once he passes the first corner, he’s a clean race driver. He deserves to be in Formula 1, we brought him back because we believe he has a future in F1. It would be a bit foolish to bring him back and then get rid of him. »
