Felipe Massa’s resurgence during the 2012 F1 season – Formula 1 Special
The 2012 F1 season began with unpredictable results and ended with much excitement over the championship between Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.
For some drivers the season was progress and for others it was consistent. There were also who were disappointed but for Alonso’s teammate, Felipe Massa, the year was a struggle. The Brazilian driver began the season in a dismal fashion but made a significant
comeback towards the end.
The first seven races of the season saw seven different winners mainly due to the new exhaust system and Pirelli’s new tyres. However, for Massa, the first race of the season was one of his worst performances in a long time. He qualified twelfth which was
his worst qualifying result since the 2010 Singapore Grand Prix and then finished the race without scoring any points; a first for him since 2010 Japanese GP.
Massa’s poor form had in fact continued from the previous season in 2011. His inconsistent performances continued throughout the first half of the season. Ferrari started speculating about dropping him from the next season. A lot of uncertainty kept surrounding
his future with Ferrari and it was being reported that Ferrari might be considering other options.
However, after the German GP, Massa started to improve; something that did not go unnoticed by Ferrari. The Italian team confirmed his contract for another year.
Massa did not disappoint his team as he continued to improve his form. The Brazilian admitted himself that uncertain future had him under pressure. The driver’s admission is justified by the fact that his teammate was running for the championship and his
own performances were not even coming to close to that.
Massa’s performance in the second half of the season was much more consistent during which he secured two podium finishes in Japan and Brazil respectively. His qualifying pace was even better than Alonso. Ferrari’s team order strategy was also applied to
Massa with the team blatantly favouring Alonso; especially towards the end of the season. The gearbox of Massa’s car was deliberately broken by the team during the United States GP to earn him a five place penalty and to move Alonso to a better position over
the track. Massa still performed valiantly finishing the race in fourth place.
The Brazilian race was the most exciting race of the season and also the season finale. Every driver wishes to perform at his best when in his hometown. Massa secured the second position as the race ended and was seen to be very emotional on the podium.
Ferrari team principal, Luca di Montezemolo, has continuously shown his faith in Massa. He had appreciated him for showing team spirit. According to Ferrari, Massa was their best option. Ferrari could have chosen from several young drivers that were eager
to make a debut in F1 including Sergio Perez who has been the member of the Ferrari Driving Academy as well. However, like other teams, Ferrari must be looking for team stability; especially when they still have a chance for challenging for the championship
in the 2013 F1 season.
As far as Massa is concerned, he is most likely to continue his improved form in 2013 given his determination and also the fact that there will no major technical changes in the car he might have adjust to. His consistency might be able to help Ferrari win
a constructors’ title if not the drivers’ championship.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely of the writer’s and do not reflect bettor.com’s official editorial policy.
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