Scuderia Ferrari 2012

[raymondu999]

What is necessary this year seems to be finding that balance. Christian Horner said after Canada, in which Vettel smashed everyone in Q3 but faded towards the end of stints in the race, that it's necessary to strike the balance between turning them on quickly but not wearing them out and that they went too far towards the former; I'd suggest Sauber and Lotus have gone too far to the latter. Ferrari seem to be getting a better understanding than most - not a perfect one, by any means - and I wouldn't be at all surprised if a former big wig at Bridgestone had a big hand in this.

Agreed. It was a balance that Rosberg achieved in China, Maldonado/Hamilton in Spain and Vettel in Valencia.

[Mr Alcatraz]

I think this year is my best condition in my career," he told reporters at Hockenheim. "You are a better driver every year because you improve from mistakes; you always learn constantly in Formula 1.

"Physically it's also my best season so far because in previous years, you didn't know, but all the leg and the shoulders, something always had some pain or I didn't have good preparation

Wise words from Fred in Autosport. Also great news about his physical condition.

[SchumacherM]

Alonso on pole, the team seems to have made a car that's very good in the rain.

[bhallg2k]

Excluding Ferrari, the mean difference in points between teammates in the top four teams is 28.25.

Felipe Massa is 131 points behind Alonso.

It's all but certain that Massa will not be with the team next year, but I think it might be best to let him go now. The Constructor's Championship is still possible. I just don't think it will happen with Massa behind the wheel of a red car.

I've urged patience in regard to his form for a while now, because of both his accident in 2009 and because the role of #2 at Ferrari is likely the toughest assignment for any driver in F1. At this point, however, I think even Fisichella might do a better job.

[Gerhard Berger]

Massa's pace was decent enough. He just ruined his weekend in Q2 and the first lap.

[bhallg2k]

It's far from the first time Massa has had a bad weekend despite decent pace.

[SeijaKessen]

Since people have been talking about various drivers for 2013, has anyone considered Schumacher going to Ferrari for 1 year and retiring for good with them? People are assuming he would only come back with Merc, but I can't imagine he is happy with the outcome of his time at Merc.

[Hail22]

Since people have been talking about various drivers for 2013, has anyone considered Schumacher going to Ferrari for 1 year and retiring for good with them? People are assuming he would only come back with Merc, but I can't imagine he is happy with the outcome of his time at Merc.

That may be a possibility, especially since Ferrari is looking for another driver/developer.

[bhallg2k]

I don't know that it's a given that Ferrari would take him back. Yes, Montezemolo pushed him out the door. But, Mercedes is Ferrari's arch-rival.

[Jackuar]

Yes, Montezemolo pushed him out the door

Wait... they pushed him out and its not that he retired himself?

[zyphro]

Yes, Montezemolo pushed him out the door

Wait... they pushed him out and its not that he retired himself?

Politics from behind the scenes, back stabbing etc. IMO, Monty felt Schumacher had too much influence in the team and wanted to put and end to that. Funnily enough, Brawn, Todt and Byrne left not long afterwards and so ended the 'dream-team'.

[zyphro]

Since people have been talking about various drivers for 2013, has anyone considered Schumacher going to Ferrari for 1 year and retiring for good with them? People are assuming he would only come back with Merc, but I can't imagine he is happy with the outcome of his time at Merc.

Can't see it happening - Schumi isn't one to quit.

[bhallg2k]

I think Schumacher's exit from Ferrari was less about internal politics than it was about Raikkonen's availability. Schumacher was 37 (?) at the time, Alonso had just signed with McLaren, and it seemed then that such a relationship was for the long haul. Ferrari, in turn, had to do something to ensure they had a competitive driver for the long haul, and that could not happen as long as Schumacher was still in the picture.

All things considered, I'd say it was the right move, too.

[Chuckjr]

SUCH a shame they could not be mates for 2 - 3 yrs. That would have been EPIC.

[zyphro]

I think Schumacher's exit from Ferrari was less about internal politics than it was about Raikkonen's availability. Schumacher was 37 (?) at the time, Alonso had just signed with McLaren, and it seemed then that such a relationship was for the long haul. Ferrari, in turn, had to do something to ensure they had a competitive driver for the long haul, and that could not happen as long as Schumacher was still in the picture.

All things considered, I'd say it was the right move, too.

I still think the decision to bring in Kimi was wrong - IMO if Monty didn't side with Kimi, I'm pretty damn sure, he (Schumi), would've won 2007 and 2008.