Domenicali Signals Ferrari Only Seeking Support Driver for 2013
Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali has indicated the team is not looking for a star to partner Fernando Alonso, but rather a reliable number two for the 2013 Formula One season.
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali has made clear the Scuderia is not in the market for a star driver to partner Fernando Alonso in 2013, but is instead seeking a strong support act. With Felipe Massa’s contract option for next season expiring at the end of July 2012, speculation over the second Ferrari seat has intensified, but Domenicali has moved to quash talk of a headline signing.
Ferrari’s approach to driver line-up
Speaking to media outlets, Domenicali acknowledged the persistent rumours linking former world champion Kimi Raikkonen with a return to Maranello. He dismissed these as “gossip”, stating there was nothing more to the story. When pressed on the likelihood of pairing Alonso with another world champion, Domenicali pointed to Ferrari’s longstanding philosophy of having a clear team leader with a strong but subordinate team-mate.
He explained that Ferrari has traditionally operated with a number one and number two structure, rather than fielding two drivers of equal status. This approach, he suggested, would make a move for drivers like Raikkonen or McLaren’s Jenson Button unlikely, as both are established champions with contracts elsewhere. Domenicali also indicated that Ferrari was not in a rush to make a decision, despite the speculation.
Financial and championship considerations
The future of Massa at Ferrari is under scrutiny, not only due to contract timing but also the team’s position in the constructors’ standings. At this stage of the 2012 season, Ferrari was fourth in the championship, with Massa contributing just 25 points. This shortfall has direct financial consequences, as constructors’ prize money is distributed based on final positions. Reports suggested that if Massa had matched the points tally of a driver like Raikkonen, Ferrari would be in a stronger position for the lucrative payout.
Brazilian media speculated that Raikkonen could more than double his Lotus retainer by switching to Ferrari, but the team’s management continued to back Massa publicly for the remainder of the 2012 campaign. Domenicali said protecting Massa’s focus was essential for the current championship fight, signalling no immediate change despite the uncertainty.
No rush for a decision
With the summer break underway and no formal announcement on the second seat, Ferrari appears content to let speculation run while keeping its options open. The team’s stance suggests any new signing will be expected to support Alonso’s title ambitions rather than challenge them. For now, Massa remains in place, but the message from Domenicali is clear: Ferrari’s next driver is expected to play a supporting role.
