Do Ferrari hold a sentimental attachment to Massa?

Over the last couple of years countless articles have been written about Felipe Massa under performing at Ferrari.

The likeable Brazilian for whatever reason has never been the same driver since his near fatal accident in Hungary in 2009.

Before then he pushed Lewis Hamilton all the way to the 2008 Formula One World Championship and for thirty seconds at least, was the F1 World Champion, until the most dramatic of finishes saw Hamilton snatch back the the title on the last corner.

But ever since his crash, he has failed to perform consistently.

A direct comparison of podium finishes before and after his crash [up until and including the 2013 Belgian GP] clearly shows a dip in performances.

2006-2009 – 62 Grand Prix’s, 28 podiums including 11 victories.

2010-2013 – 69 Grand Prix’s, 7 podiums, no victories.

Performances like that are plainly not good enough for a team like Ferrari, his main role might be to support number one driver Fernando Alonso, but the best way he can do that is to score well, taking points away from Alonso’s title rivals and of course securing points for the Formula One constructors Championship.

Due to his lack of consistent results it looked like he would lose his seat at Ferrari during 2012, until an up serge in performances earned him a new one year contract.

Massa finds himself once again in that situation this season. Ferrari appear to have a sentimental attachment to Massa and are still willing to give him a chance when perhaps other drivers wouldn’t? So can he once again save his Formula One career?

‘My favourite choice would be, of course, to keep Felipe because Felipe is a very good guy – very dedicated to the team – and when you look around there are not so many drivers out there that you swap and they immediately deliver,’ Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali told the official Formula 1 website.

‘But, of course, we need good results from Felipe, so that’s why we will not rush as we have to make the right decision for the team. As soon as we have made up our minds we will announce it officially to silence the rumours once and for all.’