Nico Rosberg of Mercedes GP eyeing shift to Ferrari for 2012 – Formula 1 news
Recent reports reveal that Nico Rosberg of Mercedes GP is eyeing a move to the Ferrari squad for the next 2012 Formula 1 season, although Rosberg’s contract with his current team extends into 2012.
Ferrari driver Felipe Massa’s recent collision with Lewis Hamilton of McLaren-Mercedes has triggered an array of confusion and discontent.
McLaren boss Whitmarsh is reported to have said that the 30-year-old Brazilian, who still has not come to terms with the penalty that was imposed on him, is feeling immense pressure within his team at the moment.
Rosberg’s contract with Mercedes GP extends into 2012, and the team is willing to honour its commitment, however it is entirely up to Rosberg whether he wishes to stay with the team or not.
Looking at the other of the spectrum, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa also has a contract with the Maranello-based team for another year i.e. 2012. However, in the world of Formula 1 where anything is expected to happen, Massa should be worried.
Rosberg’s contract with the Mercedes team allows him to terminate the latter at his will at any point whenever he wants, giving him free will to leave the outfit if he wishes to. Sources suggest that the 26-year-old is considering a shift to Ferrari after
he felt that the race strategy used by the team at the recently held Indian Grand Prix was biased towards the seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
At the same time, Luca di Montezemolo who is the president of the Ferrari squad is quite disappointed and dissatisfied with Massa after his return from India. His collision with Hamilton during the race which inflicted him with a drive-through penalty by
the race stewards and later on his retirement from the race and an overall floppy race are all factors that might have provoked the Maranello-based team to consider Rosberg in place of Massa.
However, nothing is certain of yet. The reports can only be substantiated when official news gets released documenting Rosberg’s move to Ferrari or any of the team’s bosses makes an official announcement validating the new contract.
When asked about his future at Mercedes next year, Rosberg said, “I don’t want to say anything about it.”
He further said, “We are having discussions about a long-term cooperation.”
Let’s see if Rosberg replaces Massa for a seat in the Italian squad.
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