The fight for a seat alongside Lance Stroll at Williams in 2018 has taken another nasty turn with Felipe Massa offering blunt assessments of the two drivers most likely to replace him.
Former Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica and current team reserve driver Paul Di Resta both completed back-to-back tests at Silverstone and in Budapest between the Japanese and United States GP’s with assessments of their respective performances described as solid and successful.
But the Brazilian has become increasingly harsh in his criticism initially claiming those at Williams who “know about motorsport” were backing him, to suggesting the team would be “much worse” if they did end their partnership.
Now the 37-year-old is taking aim at what he sees at the respective weaknesses of Kubica and Di Resta, beginning by questioning whether the Pole really would be physically up to the task of competing full-time in F1.
“I have no idea how he’s driving, first of all,” he said in an exclusive interview on Motorsport.com. “To be honest, I cannot do what he’s doing, driving with only one hand and it’s impossible for me to believe that he will not suffer with some of the races with this car that we’re driving that is a lot more difficult physically.
“I really respect what he’s doing, and what he’s doing is just amazing but it’s impossible to believe that he will not have some issues.”
While at least trying to sound respectful towards Kubica, whose limitations in his right arm were suffered in a near-fatal rally crash in 2011, Massa maybe wasn’t so kind about the former Force India driver who has been competing in DTM with Mercedes.
“I don’t believe he’s the right driver for the team, to develop the car and show the results and everything,” he claimed. “Plus I mean I don’t think he’s doing a great job in what he’s racing as well. Anyway, I’m not here to complain or say about anything, that’s only my opinion.”
Also read:
After those comments, however, Felipe insists there wouldn’t be any hard feelings towards Williams if he was dropped, just a year after putting off retirement to allow Valtteri Bottas to join Mercedes.
“Yeah, sure, but I’m good on that. I have zero frustration,” he said. “As I’ve said before, I did a lot more than I expected so if it needs to finish, it’s the time. If it doesn’t need to finish, it’s because maybe something is still reserved.
“As I said, I’m quite relaxed, thinking about my job, thinking about my car. The time for being frustrated is passed already in my career.”
Previously Massa had hoped for a decision by the Brazilian Grand Prix in just over two weeks, that would mean he could repeat the emotional farewell he thought he was saying last year at Interlagos if he was to leave, but it now seems Williams will not be ready until Abu Dhabi at the earliest as they continue evaluations.