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There has been a real change in Felipe this season. After a physical battering from the Brawn's wayward suspension part in 2009 and a psychological battering in Germany on the anniversary of that horrible accident his confidence had been all but destroyed. 2011 saw him fight back with aggression and obstinacy - mostly to the detriment of himself and Hamilton. His approach has changed this season. He has been more aware of what is happening around him with fewer crash-magnet adventures and his pace has improved.

 

Some months ago, I (amongst many others) had written him off as pretty well finished in F1. Time is not on his side with regard to getting into the same league as the top four but he could still become the best of the rest. It has to be said that we are seeing a new Massa. This weekend he took a hit for the team and, when quizzed by the media, presented a very professional and honest demeanour. He didn't hide his obvious disappointment and got his message across in clear, unequivocal terms.

 

His excellent drive, having been relegated to 11th on the grid, to a well deserved 4th place finish was a testament to the sea change that has occured this year. Only time will tell if this is a temporary blip or a real sign that he has at last recovered from the physical and psychological battering of the previous seasons. For his sake I hope that the latter is the case and that it is not too little, too late.

 

Welcome back Felipe. Now if you can just keep it up ...