F1 - Prancing Horse For Felipe Massa In 2013?

    Formula One returns after the summer break this weekend at Belgium at the legendary Spa- Francorchamps circuit. The summer break quite often conjures up speculation of driver's contracts and which F1 team they'll drive for the following season. Regarding some of the top teams, it seems 2012 is no exception.
    Whilst 2012 frontrunners Red Bull Racing have understood that continuity is high on their agenda by retaining proven race winners Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, McLaren have Jenson Button confirmed, but have yet to sign Lewis Hamilton. Does anyone think that Lewis would find pastures greener elsewhere than with the team he's effectively grown up with? We suspect he will stay with McLaren.
    However, over at Ferrari, speculation continues to mount over the seat of Brazilian, Felipe Massa. With a dual world champion in Fernando Alonso, who could well be on his way to a third title this year, as his team mate, expectation is high. Both the Ferrari team and the "tifosi" expect both their drivers to deliver. Having been with the team since 2006, Massa has not been a championship contender since 2008. Who could ever forget his emotional home victory at Interlagos in 2008 only to see Lewis Hamilton snatch the title at the last corner on the last lap? Or Massa's utter dominance of the Turkish GP three years in a row? Unfortunately he has not been the same potent force since.
    But what are Ferrari's options? Maybe either Force India duo, Nico Hulkenberg or Paul di Resta, perhaps Sauber's Sergio Perez, or maybe promote one of their young drivers? Could they sign someone from left field, such as Caterham's Heikki Kovalainen, whose off contract this year? Alternatively, would Ferrari be better off retaining Felipe Massa? The team know how to work with him and is a proven team player, highlighted by moving over for Alonso at Hockenheim a couple of years ago after receiving the now infamous radio message, "Fernando is faster than you". A charge in the back half of 2012 could persuade Ferrari to retain his services.
    But if Ferrari choose to end their relationship with Massa, what will this mean for his F1 career? Will he find a new team and reinvigorate himself becoming a race winner again? Let formulafrontrow.com know what you think. Send us an email at: [email protected] or simply leave a comment. 
    A five place grid penalty for Aussie, Mark Webber at Spa for an unscheduled gearbox change. Ouch....