Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says he would not have retained Felipe Massa if he was in charge of Ferrari, with a range of rival drivers linked to the Brazilian's seat in the early stages of the 2012 season. After much improved performances in the second half of the campaign, the Maranello-based outfit opted to extend his contract.
"No, I don’t think I would (have retained him)," Horner, whose team has claimed three successive world titles, said in The Official Formula 1 Season Review 2012 book. "Unfortunately, it’s a tough business, and results-based. You’ve got to look at what the guy in the other car, which we must assume is equal equipment, is achieving.
"They obviously had a look at other drivers - at least one of ours! - so they were obviously concerned about his form, but their options seemed to become limited.
"Then Felipe obviously picked his form up in the last third of the year. They were obviously deliberating - the messages coming out of Maranello confirmed that - and probably when the music stopped they realised that the option they had was best for them."
Meanwhile, Massa has explained that he is 'more motivated than ever' ahead of the 2013 campaign, admitting that his experiences from 2012 should help him next year.
"Now I am more motivated than ever: the second part of the season was like a training session for next year," he said at Ferrari's Christmas party. "In 2013, I really want to come back to this event to celebrate something even better together with all of you!"
Series
Formula 1
Personalities
Christian Horner
Felipe Massa
Other
DTM Tickets (best price guarantee!) at Sportstadium.com
| Felipe Massa | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More Felipe Massa photos | |||
| Christian Horner | |||
 |  |  |  |
| More Christian Horner photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
