F1 cars not easier to drive today - Massa

Felipe Massa strongly disagrees with paddock pundits who believe that today's Formula 1 machinery are an easier proposition for drivers than cars from the past.

The advent of technology, and its overwhelming presence in a modern F1 cockpit, has perhaps elevated a drivers' activity level behind the wheel. But many feel that in terms of sheer ability, the talent required to drive an F1 car has diminished.

But Felipe Massa begs to disagree.

"They say it is now ridiculously easy to drive a formula one car," the Brazilian said.

"But I'm sure that an experienced guy would have problems in these cars.

"I think it's just different. When we had refueling we were faster because the cars were lighter, but I don't think the cars are therefore easier to drive now."

Many authoritative voices within the F1 community favor more powerful engines and bigger aerodynamics in order to further increase the difficulty of extracting the best out of car and bring back the art of driving.

Massa however is unsure these changes would complicate the task of those in the driver's seat.

"If you ask me if I'd like a faster car with more downforce, then of course," he acknowledged.

"But I don't think that would necessarily make it more difficult. Physically maybe yes, but the car would not be more difficult to drive."

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