Webber to Ferrari?

[Deutsch]

The Australian press is currently reporting that the Spanish press is saying that Webber will go to Ferrari next year on a one year deal:

Formula one star Mark Webber has firmed as a likely replacement for the struggling Felipe Massa at Ferrari next year. Webber, who has been on Ferrari's radar for years, will replace Massa in a one-year deal, according to Spain's El Confidencial. The seven GP winner is out of contract at Red Bull next year but wants to stay in a competitive team. Red Bull are keen to promote either Australian Daniel Ricciardo or Ricciardo's Torro Rosso teammate Jean-Eric Vergne. Rumours of Massa's departure from Ferrari have persisted for 18 months and Webber has entered the picture, according to El Confidencial, because of his ''great relationship'' with lead driver Fernando Alonso.

I think it's unlikely that anyone other than Perez will get the Ferrari gig, and that Webber will either still be at Red Bull, or will disappear in to the F1 sunset.

[Deutsch]

And of course Webber is now denying this:

http://en.espnf1.com/redbull/motorsp...ory/77447.html

I guess only time will tell, but even the other drivers are talking as if Massa is already gone from Ferrari.

[Sleepcheap]

I've been a fan of Mark Webber since he was at Minardi and would enjoy seeing him in a Ferrari, but I cannot imagine a reason they would put him in the seat unless their first 10 choices turned them down. I think it will be Perez and if he declines, one of the other young hot shoes.

I think it's certain that Massa is in his last year there and may not even finish the season. Silly season came early this year.

[Deutsch]

Yeah, I can't see for whom that deal would really work. Webber's better off at Red Bull (IMO), and Ferrari would be better off bringing through someone with more long term potential. Unless they simply want someone who'll play second fiddle to Alonso, but given how things have been between Webber and Vettel I can't see Mark settling for being number 2. So why not bring a youngster in?

The only lure for Mark is the prestige of driving for Ferrari. If he wants to win races, he's in a better spot at present.

[Hitokiri]

The only reason why people would like Webber at Ferrari is the fact that he has shown he can push the top driver but also can be a great #2 as well (taking away points from other drivers at the same time making sure the #1 drivers gets the top points). ANY driver that goes to Ferrari at this time has to know that they'll be playing second fiddle to Alonso no matter what unless your someone like Hamilton, Vettel, or Button. Ferrari is always looking for that perfect Rubens-like #2 driver and for a while Massa was it but Massa has lost his edge and should be out at least by the end of this season.

[KevMcNJ]

Im no F1 expert but it makes no sense to me

[Formula Indy]

"because of his ''great relationship'' with lead driver Fernando Alonso."

Is this true? I personally have a hard time understanding that. Webber and Alonso seem like 2 totally different incompatible personalities.

[CARTer]

Looking at the past 15 or so years, it seems Ferrari isn't interested in developing driver talent. Perhaps they look at the rest of the grid as their junior team(s)?

The formula seems to be bring in an established, championship-caliber driver and a competent, but obedient, number two. In this regard, the Webber thing makes a certain amount of sense.

[Hitokiri]

Looking at the past 15 or so years, it seems Ferrari isn't interested in developing driver talent. Perhaps they look at the rest of the grid as their junior team(s)?

If you look at Ferrari's line up since Schumacher there's always been one championship or close to championship caliber driver (Schumacher, Kimi, Alonso) and one young driver that showed promise on a lower team (Irvine, Barrichello, Massa). Even when these line ups were made it would have been obvious to most fans who is the #1 driver and who was the #2 driver. The only #2 driver that challenged for the #1 spot was Massa but I would argue that was after Kimi had won the championship had lost his passion for F1 racing already.

This is why I feel like it would be very un-Ferrari like to pick up Webber since Webber had challenged for world championships and has shown he's at least the best of the rest after all the past champions on the grid. I believe that someone like Sergio Perez does make sense because he has a Ferrari connection (Sauber uses Ferrari engines), has some success in the junior series, and is younger. Combine these together and Perez becomes a mirror of Irvine, Barrichello, and especially Massa.

[PDC]

"because of his ''great relationship'' with lead driver Fernando Alonso."

Is this true? I personally have a hard time understanding that. Webber and Alonso seem like 2 totally different incompatible personalities.

I've heard for several years they are good friends, and they seem to act like it when they are on the podium together.

[JacquesNGilles]

This would be entertaining only because I'd be on the edge of my seat waiting for the first press conerence where he is called out on being the clear #2 driver, gets sand in his nether regions, and slams a glass of water down on the table after answering the question.

For those who don't remember or still want a nice little laugh:

[Kurt Cobain]

I don't see this happening for some reason.

[red5champ]

Hmm I guess Kubica now won't be going in 2013 to Ferrari and may now be out of F1. Bit odd that Perez won't be going there?

[Deutsch]

Honestly, I haven't heard any rumours regarding Kubica for a while now. I guess there are general doubts that he will ever recover well enough to drive in F1 again. Certainly, I'd be surprised if he came back straight in to a Ferrari seat. Perez has to be a good shout of the second seat gig there - I don't think anything has really been said to indicate that he's not, just that rumours are flying around about others. If I were a betting man, I'd my money on Perez.

The Australian press have been at it again, by the way. Now they claim that Red Bull are seeking to extend Mark's contract for another year, and give Vergne and Ricciardo another year at Toro Rosso to try to prove they are ready for the 2nd seat in the main team. This seems more likely (given the behaviour of Red Bull and Webber regarding contracts) than Mark going to Ferrari.

[Racing Steward]

Mark will be a slighty better option than Massa. Is he the answer? Most definitely NOT.

I would have went after Adrian Sutil. Underrated. Too bad Kubica will likely never be the same again because before his accident, put him in a Ferrari (INSTANT Title Threat)

Yes Perez was damn impressive at Malaysia but im still not 100% sold on Perez. Id take Di Resta any day over him but his next destination is likely Mercedes after Schumacher is out which SHOULD be sooner rather than later.

[red5champ]

There is no doubt that di Resta will be in a top team sooner or later it's just a matter of when and when one driver moves the whole drivers market at the top will shake about.

[indywulf]

Mark will be a slighty better option than Massa. Is he the answer? Most definitely NOT.

I would have went after Adrian Sutil. Underrated. Too bad Kubica will likely never be the same again because before his accident, put him in a Ferrari (INSTANT Title Threat)

Yes Perez was damn impressive at Malaysia but im still not 100% sold on Perez. Id take Di Resta any day over him but his next destination is likely Mercedes after Schumacher is out which SHOULD be sooner rather than later.

There were lots of rumours about Kubica going to Ferrari over the last few years.

Whats his current position. Will he get back behind a wheel?

[Deutsch]

There were lots of rumours about Kubica going to Ferrari over the last few years.

Whats his current position. Will he get back behind a wheel?

He's apparently already been back behind the wheel, both of go-karts and rally cars:

http://robertscomeback.blogspot.de

[Deutsch]

Ferrari are now even publicly disappointed with Massa:

http://en.espnf1.com/ferrari/motorsp...ory/78765.html

The story also mentions that Paul di Resta is being touted as another potential replacement.