Ferrari considers the rumors about Massa "funny".

What future for Felipe Massa? While Ferrari has essentially ridiculed the rumors that speak of his dismissal, the press explains the background information regarding the Brazilian's stay in F1.

In recent days, thanks to Adrian Sutil's visit to the Force India pits, there has been talk of a possible move of one of the Indian team's drivers to the Cavallino, from 2013 or even during the current season. Moreover, the words of team principal Stefano Domenicali after Massa's 15th place at the Spanish GP (“Felipe needs to make a change of gear in Monaco”) have sparked many speculations: what would happen if the Brazilian didn't make this change of pace? While in France the name of the Belgian Jerome D'Ambrosio was being mentioned as a possible immediate replacement for the Maranello team, on Twitter the Rossa commented in a subtly venomous way on the latest indiscretions from the press, calling them "funny". “What was published on the site on Monday reflected Domenicali's words about Felipe said on Sunday evening after the race, nothing more”, “It was funny this morning to read in the media how the same concept can be seen differently from one day to the next ”. “In any case, someone took advantage of the opportunity to promote yet another candidate to replace Felipe: this time it was D'Ambrosio's turn.” , we read in the three messages left on Twitter.

The Cavallino is no stranger to these stances: last year, through the anonymous character hidden behind the pseudonym "Grillo Rampante", he defended Massa several times from even ferocious criticism from the press and fans. But this time it was Ferrari itself that fueled the speculation, publishing Domenicali's aforementioned statement on his website which is impossible not to read as a warning to Massa, despite the justifications on Twitter. “It was a very carefully worded statement”, said the correspondent of the English newspaper Telegraph, Tom Cary. “With the way this crazy season is going, I wouldn't be shocked at all if they decided to walk away from him midway through the season.” Swiss newspaper Blick said the Monaco weekend could be the 30-year-old Paulista's last chance. And the candidates are lined up. “Ferrari knows that I am ready. If they need me or want me, then they can call me.", said Adrian Sutil. Spanish newspaper El Mundo said some experts in the paddock believe the only reason Massa still has his wheel is because it is protected by the "Todt name" - a reference not only to the manager who runs it, Nicolas Todt, but also to the president of the FIA, Jean Todt, former team manager of the Red Team and father of Nicolas, who would have his protégé in Felipe.

Luca Colajanni, the Cavallino spokesman, explained to the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S.Paulo: “Felipe has the full trust of the team, starting with our president. We have not yet decided who our driver will be in 2013, but Felipe is not excluded", He insisted. Colajanni explained that there are no links between his 2009 crash in Hungary and his lack of victories: “We don't have evidence that makes us think that Felipe slowed down due to the accident. Zero", concluded the press officer. F1 doctor Gary Hartstein agrees: “An experience like the one Felipe suffered in 2009 changes you, but you can't say if that's why he didn't win again.”
In any case, we will see how the Brazilian reacts in Monte Carlo to understand what the Cavallino will decide. At stake is the Constructors' title, which is flying away to the headquarters of Red Bull, McLaren and Lotus.

Lorena Bianchi