F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Massa grinds his axe: 'Kubica will suffer with this car'

Felipe Massa continues to promote his own agenda, claiming that Robert Kubica would be physically challenged to perform consistently behind the wheel of a new-spec car.

Williams is narrowing down its options for its 2018 driver line-up with Massa, Kubica, Paul di Resta and Pascal Wehrlein all in contention for a seat at the Grove-based outfit next season.

Kubica ramped-up his F1 comeback program over the summer, with runs in a 2017-spec Renault in Hungary and two outings in a 2014-spec Williams at Silverstone and again at the Hungaroring.

Massa is skeptical however of the Pole's ability to race and perform consistently in F1 given the limited ability of his right arm.

"I have no idea how he's driving, first of all," he said in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com's GP Gazette.

"To be honest, I cannot do what he's doing, driving with only one hand.

"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."

As he grind his axe, Massa also took a shot at di Resta, claiming the Scot's results in DTM with Mercedes these past seasons were nothing to write home about.

"I don't believe he's the right driver for the team, to develop the car and show the results and everything," Massa said.

"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."

Massa insisted however that he would show no frustration should Williams opt not to include the Brazilian in its line-up next season.

"Yeah, sure, but I'm good on that. I have zero frustration. 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."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Russell reckons performance, not rules, behind Verstappen frustration

As Max Verstappen’s public frustration with Formula 1’s 2026 regulations reaches a fever pitch, George…

7 hours ago

Domenciali wants decision on future F1 engine ‘as soon as possible’

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the sport is approaching a defining crossroads over what…

9 hours ago

Rindt: Blindingly fast with intimidating skills

The great Jochen Rindt was born on this day in 1942. The Austrian is the…

10 hours ago

Pin makes history – becomes first female to test a Mercedes F1 car!

History was in the making today at Silverstone, where F1 Academy champion Dorian Pin became…

11 hours ago

Stella shuts down Ferrari rumors, lifts lid on Lambiase hire

McLaren’s bold move to recruit race engineer GianPiero Lambiase from Red Bull sent shockwaves through…

12 hours ago

IndyCar’s O’Ward is done with ‘artificial’ Formula 1

A dream has a shelf life, and for Pato O’Ward, the expiration date has arrived.…

13 hours ago