Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo warns Felipe Massa once again – Formula 1 news
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has once again warned Felipe Massa once again to give an improved performance for the 2012 season.
Montezemolo has reiterated that 2012 season will be most likely a make or break year for the Brazilian. Massa endured a torrid 2011 season. Although it was not all Massa’s fault as the Brazilian was involved in several run-ins with Lewis Hamilton who had
been severely criticised for his on-track behaviour.
However, Massa’s teammate Fernando Alonso showed that even with all the odds you can give a strong performance. It has been clear that the Ferrari car had been off the pace during the 2011 season and yet Alonso kept up a consistent performance throughout
the season and with only one Grand Prix win at Silverstone to show he came in 4th in the drivers’ championship standing.
His performances allowed Ferrari to save face as they came in third on the constructors’ championship behind the dominant Red Bull at the top and McLaren-Mercedes at 2nd place.
Massa’s nemesis of 2011 Hamilton did not have a good season either but got his form back at the end of the season by claiming the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Massa on the other had remained winless and did not have any podiums either.
During an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday Montezemolo said, “We weren't happy with him and he wasn't happy with himself. But I'm confident that with a car that is able to heat up the tyres faster he'll be able to become more competitive
again.”
He added that Massa's tenure at Maranello “could also continue” but warned Ferrari is “always looking around.”
While making these comments Montezemolo also mentioned the positives and said that Massa is a smart lad and he is impressed with his behaviour. The team president said that he has faith in the Brazilian’s abilities and he can bounce back from this.
It would be interesting to see how Massa takes on 2012, with his place and credibility on the line it remains to be seen if the situation will make him a stronger competition or would he break under the pressure.
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