Why is everyone so down on Felipe Massa?

Question

Is it because they can't pick on Lewis this time?

Answer 1

Criticism is given when due. It's not because people can't find fault with Hamilton. Instead, it was because Massa didn't even look like he was trying to defend his position. He only started  to do something about it AFTER he was overtaken. He tried to reclaim position but even looked messy doing so.

Answer 2

Because he isn't as nice as Rubens.

Answer 3

Massa is a very fast driver, one of the fastest in F1 but recent races  have shown that to be perhaps his only asset.

Ok , so he has also shown an ability to bounce back, but he's weak in many areas.

He's not good in the rain or in mixed conditions, not a tactician, not strong mentally, needs someone to calm him down on the radio when things turn bad, hasn't shown an ability to overtake or calmly work his way up through the field.

He has to qualify well (which he almost always does) and have things go his way.

Racing for points is something he had to learn this year but he doesn't fancy it and it shows in his lack of spirit when he does so.

He's also not the sort of personality to push a team forward and I haven't heard anyone raving about his testing abilities either.

But he's very focused, much more so than Raikkonen and it showed in Hockenheim.

Kimi failing to find a decent balance is inexcusable for a reigning world champion at the top of the standings, Massa always tries very hard.

Answer 4

My favorite retired last year and I went with Massa because he was the underdog and looked like a diamond in the rough. I also like Ferrari and like to see them up front. Always have. I would love to Alonzo in one next year but not at the risk of dumping Massa. He deserves time to grow more. He was weak Sunday but perhaps he knew his car was not strong enough to outrun Lewis and settled for a podium -vs- the garage.

Lewis's bid for the lead was impressive since his team mate jump layed down for him and did not hold him up. Would have been cool to see NP JR pull off the win. Lewis's passing was aggresive and risky but hey so is ramming someone sitting still. Nice points move and recovery though....

Answer 5

It's because now that there are other cars that are as good as his (or in Renault's case - not as good as his), it has been shown that he really isn't that good at driving...

Put him into a new F2 car (where the cars are all the same) and he wouldn't last two weekends before he was fired...

Answer 6

Only the casual race fans my friend.  Unfortunately heart and soul doesnt make a car turn better or give you extra horsepower.  He simply had a slower race car.  Its not that difficult to understand. It was Lewis' turn.  Next time it will be Felipe moving him over. Yep thats racing.

Answer 7

i think they have something against him....

Answer 8

He may not be the strongest driver but he is still in the hunt and could easily win the WC this year. I am a Mclaren and Lewis fan, but if anyone thinks Massa can't win the WC just because of Hockenheim that's crazy. He's extremely fast when he's on song, and although he does have weaknesses and is inconsistent he has as good a chance as Kimi or Lewis at taking the title. He is also a really decent guy it seems to me, unlike Kimi who frankly is a bit of an arrogant a.rse in my view.

Answer 9

Not really. Massa is quick but unreliable.

Answer 10

.

His HAIRCUT??

EDIT: Couldn't agree more Christos...., very succinct so I put a thumbs up you..., but you did fail to mention his haircut! ;)

.

Answer 11

He shouldn't be in a Ferrari  car thats why Fernando alonzo Should!!

Answer 12

I went off him when I heard the guys from  SPEED channel tell the story, (that apparently is well known in the pits) that Massa does not change his underpants when he has had a run of good luck on the practice and qualifying incase his luck changes.  Every time we look at him we wonder if he has changed his pants - how disgusting.

Seriously, he is a pretty good driver, when pushed, but I will never look at him the same again.

Answer 13

Because of the lame way he gave up on Sunday, most people can remember when F1 drivers gave their heart and soul and actually fought for positions.

Answer 14

I don't believe Hamilton has anything to do with it - but the press (and the fans) definitely look at Massa as a 2nd tier driver.

His performance this year has been excellent.

Answer 15

his driving is up & down like the weather, squandering a great chance of a title for the 2nd year running, didn't anbody else watch him drive a sauber? He is not the greatest ever......

Answer 16

cuz he isn't pretty like Kimi and Lewis

and

isn't nearly as ugly as Alonso

and

Doen't have an awesum nose like Kubica

Answer 17

If there's one thing I know from F1, it's that most people follow the line "you're only as good as your last race". Massa has had 2 disappointing races in a row, that's all. Remember how strong he was in Turkey and Bahrain?

The same thing happened to Hamilton after Canada and France, and now everyone has completely forgotten about that!

Answer 18

I thought the same thing! Mind you people have been down on Massa for nearly the whole season so far, and not just here.