If Felipe Massa continues to get schooled by Alonso, who will replace him? I think it's fair to say that if the schooling continues like last season, he will be replaced sometime mid season - Domenicali did recently say "Massa must improve this year", and I hope that he can push Alonso to the limit and both Ferrari drivers can do brilliantly - but whether Massa is capable of this remains to be seen. Sutil was rumoured to be replacing Massa - but apparently plans changed after Spa - (maybe due to Massa's 4th place finish - but then Sutil finished 5th in that race). Personally I don't think Adrian Sutil is a driver of Ferrari quality - only the best sign for Ferrari, and IMO Sutil is not one of the best on the grid. He matured alot from 2009 onwards, but is yet to prove himself as a top driver. Kubica was rumoured to replace Massa several times last season - and I wish him a full recovery. IMO, Kubica (along with Alonso, Vettel, Hamilton) are in the elite category of current F1 drivers. Alonso is the only one currently on the grid that can be considered as an all time great, but the others have a long career to establish themselves. I don't see Red Bull letting Vettel leave the team mid season - even if the RB7 turns out to be a complete dog. Vettel and Newey are key to RBR's success, and without both of them, I see Red Bull becoming like BMW were in 2008 - good, but not the best. Alonso beat Webber last season in a vastly inferior car - so Red Bull need good drivers as well as Newey. Webber was another rumour - and his relations with Red Bull are not perfect. Anyone can see that Red Bull are emotionally behind Vettel, with Webber as the other driver. Given that Webber came 3rd in the championship with easily the fastest car, I think Ferrari would have no intentions signing him. Jenson Button has been seen getting friendly with Stefano Domenicali - but I don't think that he is an option for Ferrari, because although Ferrari want good and experienced drivers, Button is nowhere near the level of Alonso, and I think Massa is better anyway. As for Hamilton, he has said on several occasions that he doesn't need or want to be at Ferrari, and Ferrari have no ambition to have him. The guy is a McLaren man. Perez is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and I think he could have easily won the GP2 last year had circumstances been different. Ferrari sign talent when they see it. By taking on Perez, they can obviously see that he has the potential to be a Ferrari man in the near future. I personally think that: 1. Massa will be replaced if performances remain as they were in 2010 2. His replacement will be ... Giancarlo Fisichella. I doubt Ferrari would sign another driver, who would have difficulties adjusting mid season. Jules Bianchi is too inexperienced, and would be better suited to sign for a lesser team, like Sauber. Fisi is a proven winner, and I reckon Ferrari would get him in the car, and then wait until the end of 2011 before signing a top driver.
I'm not so sure about Hamilton not wanting to go to Ferrari, Jose. Drivers go where the money is or whichever is the best team they can drive for. If he falls out with Mclaren and Ferrari needed another driver then he would be top on the list, and I don't think he would turn it down. This is why I find a lot of the Hamilton v Alonso, Mclaren v Ferrari debate is quite nonsensical, if Lewis moved to Ferrari a lot of the people involved in needless slanging matches and abuse are going to be put in a tricky situation
I dont see who a Fisi, who is over the hill, hasn't raced for a year and had a failed ferrari stint before would be a better/faster choice than Button or Webber. he just end up slower than Massa.
If they were to drop Massa it would be for Kubica most likely, but this isn't going to happen anymore. Massa's a fixture at Ferrari now so maybe he will be at the team for a good few years yet.
Interesting point, but Lewis Hamilton has said on several occasions that: 1. He is in a team to win (Ferrari drivers first priority is the interests of the team - Di Montezemolo makes that clear) 2. He does not dream of Ferrari and has no ambitions to go there Hamilton would only sign up for Ferrari if he was their No.1 / main driver - but they already have Alonso for that. Same with other teams: Red Bull have Vettel, Renault have Kubica, etc. If Hamilton is stupid enough to fall out with McLaren, I think he will have a tough time getting a competitive seat at another team. Same applies to other top drivers in competitive teams.
As Ashbee says, with the only potential candidate now injured Massa looks set to stay for a while longer at least. However, I think he will improve a lot this year and maybe we will finally see 2008 Massa back again. He has said that the new tyres suit his driving more than the bridgestones so we will have to wait and see.
I hope Felipe is back to his best this year, he's a decent guy and deserves some luck after his horrible accident. I would say about Ferrari and Hamilton, that if there were any odds to be had for a bet on it, I'd like to take them.
Massa comes across as a decent guy,really hope he gets back in the grove this season and give Alonso some competition.
