Felipe Massa

Brilliant driver on his day but is he championship material?

In 2008 he proved he was but thats only one occassion, plus that season the Ferrari TBH was a bit quicker and won more races that season. In 2009 he nearly suffered a career ending head-injury and since coming to back to the grid he hasn't really shown that promise he did in 2008.

Don't get me wrong he's a driver i very much like, but i do wonder if he'll be a title challenger again for Ferrari season in season out or if he'll stay at Ferrari much longer?

Whats your thoughts on Massa?
 
Click to expand
Do you think that Massa will now be ever so loyal to the team. Now that he's got his marching orders.
Although in few of the fact that he thinks Alonso is better than Schumacher, and is telling the worlds press about it, it seems he will.
But I wonder how hard he will drive?
 
Can't say I've rarely seen any support - usually too distant to do anything helpful - so fairly crap as a number two as well.

He could get in the way though. Maybe as a back marker or a bounce-ball.
 
Jen said:
Can't say I've rarely seen any support
Click to expand

So you see him support Fernando often then, right? ;) If that's the case we're in agreement.


But I suppose you meant to convey the opposite. And in point of fact he just helped him immensely at Monza when he let him breeze by without any time lost fighting. After out-qualifying him of course. You won't find that kind of support anywhere else on the grid.
 
I'm not arguing with you - you might believe he is an OK number 2, I don't.

All I see is a chap who pulled his finger out at contract time - not good enough even for a number 2.
 
Felipe has been the ULTIMATE number 2 for several years now. He has willingly ceded to the wishes of the team (Fernando) on every occasion. This fact cannot be argued, as it has happened in front of the world time and time again.
 
I believe the eminent Massa has been holed up at Ferrari since 2006 - 4 years before Nando rocked up.

Your fact can always be argued but I am not about to do it - my last comment.
 
I'd certainly be interested in how anyone could argue that a driver who willingly hands victory to his teammate, willingly takes a phantom gearbox penalty to move his teammate up the grid, and willingly moves aside whenever his teammate appears in the mirror is not playing a supporting role. But sadly you're not up for the task Jen.
 
I doubt that "willingy" happened at any point. We all recall just how many times Smedders had to get on the radio to do the "he's faster than you" bit. Like all number 2 Ferrari drivers, willingly doesn't come into it, keeping your job normally forms the basis of any call.

I think everyone will agree that like a number of drivers through out the history of the sport, its extremely difficult to return to the same level of performance you had prior to any serious injury. Massa is no exception.

While he main proclaim he's not racing for Alonso anymore, he could also find himself benched very quickly if it gets in the way of a potential championship for the team. By the maths, there is still a chance for this to happen and while that chance exists, team players are the order of the day.
 
Am shocked he is getting a drive. But also happy, he is one of the nicest blokes on the grid. :)
It will be very interesting to see how he measures up to Bottas.
 
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I honestly didn't see that coming. I have always felt that Maldonado is grossly over-rated and am not surprised (nor sorry) to see him go. Given Massa's age, however, I'm not sure that he brings much to the table at Williams.
 
I think he brings development and set up skills which is what Williams have been lacking all year as rumour has it Maldo contributes pretty much nothing in that department.

With Pat Symonds too maybe they'll sort the car out. I still think Bottas has the pace if you give him the equiptment.

Bit surprised at everyones shock on this one being announced as it was rumoured weeks ago....and him suddenly following then on Twitter was a dead give away.

Oh and I also thought Smedders to Williams was a done deal too.
 
Pleased for Massa. He is surely still among the best 20 drivers out there, even if his injury maybe cost him the vital 1% to be among the very best.
 
I don't think it was the injury, I think it was Alonso. He and Alonso have very different tastes in chassis, and 'Nando had the charm and force of will to see to it the Scuderia were more focused on his needs. And despite his rejection of the claim, Ferrari always viewed Felipe as Alonso's #2.

In fact, had he not been such an obliging #2, Ferrari would have got rid of him long ago. Which I count more cruel than kind, because he was never going to return to being a contender so long as he remained there.

If I'm right, we should know soon enough.
 

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