Massa, between Lotus and McLaren, will now play his personal card at Ferrari
Questions keep pouring in towards Felipe Massa about his future after leaving Ferrari: the Brazilian, who wants a competitive car, has set his sights on Lotus, or even McLaren if an opportunity arises. He also asserts that he is determined to showcase his skills in this final part of the season.
After announcing his departure from Ferrari, Felipe Massa is still looking for a seat for the 2014 Formula 1 season. On his list, the Lotus team, which is losing Kimi Räikkönen, is still in a good position: « We are in negotiations. In my opinion, the Lotus is a very competitive car, that’s what I want. It’s a team with a very important history in Brazil as well. »
The British team has, in the past, welcomed great Brazilian champions into its ranks, starting with Emerson Fittipaldi, world champion with Lotus in 1972, Ayrton Senna, who achieved his first successes with the brand from 1985 to 1987, and finally Nelson Piquet in 1988 and 1989.
« We had many conversations to try to find a way not only for me but also for Lotus to continue having a good car, » added F. Massa in his interview with Globo Esporte.
But Lotus is not the only path that the Paulista could take, even though it seems the most advanced. Other inquiries have been made with another prestigious team: « I’ve had contacts with McLaren. I can’t comment… it’s difficult to say… with Lotus the contacts have been very good. Of course, I want a competitive car. It’s not impossible. It’s a change, and I hope it’s for the better. »
Asked about his end of the season with Ferrari, the 2008 vice-champion states that he will now play his own card and will no longer be a water carrier for Fernando Alonso: “No, I will not do that anymore. I will attack,” explains the one who had once again to step aside for his teammate during the Grand Prix of Monza. “I am more relaxed, more free.” “Starting Friday, in Singapore, I will work for myself. […] The time has come to take care of myself,” he added.
Finally, when asked about the Alonso/Räikkönen duo at Ferrari next year, Massa joins the ranks of those who foresee disagreement: « I know Fernando and Kimi, having worked with them for a long time. I know what they like and dislike. On the track, they are excellent drivers, but I’m afraid that together at Ferrari, it might end in a clash. I have already warned the bosses that they should take a deep breath while they can, because it will be difficult for them next year. »
