Massa to Remain at Ferrari for 2013 as Hulkenberg Heads to Sauber
Felipe Massa is set to stay with Ferrari for the 2013 Formula One season, while Nico Hulkenberg prepares to join Sauber, according to reports from the Korean Grand Prix weekend.
Felipe Massa will remain at Ferrari for the 2013 Formula One season, with Nico Hulkenberg expected to move from Force India to Sauber as part of the driver reshuffle confirmed during the Korean Grand Prix weekend. Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali indicated that an announcement on Massa’s contract extension was imminent, following the Brazilian’s strong performance in Korea.
Massa’s future at Maranello had been under scrutiny for much of 2012, with speculation mounting after a difficult start to the season. However, a return to form in the latter part of the year, including a podium at Suzuka and a competitive showing in Korea, convinced Ferrari to retain him alongside Fernando Alonso. Domenicali’s comments after the Korean Grand Prix left little doubt that Massa’s contract renewal was a formality, with the team boss urging the media to “wait and see” for the official word.
Massa himself appeared confident in the paddock, telling reporters in Korea that he had no doubts about his position for 2013. The 31-year-old’s upturn in pace came at a crucial time, as Ferrari weighed potential alternatives including Nico Hulkenberg and Force India’s Paul di Resta. Massa’s retention means Ferrari will continue with an unchanged line-up for a fourth consecutive season.
Hulkenberg to Sauber, Force India Vacancy
With Massa off the market, Nico Hulkenberg’s move to Sauber is set to be finalised. The German impressed with a sixth-place finish in Korea and is expected to sign a multi-year deal with the Swiss team, filling the seat left vacant by Sergio Perez’s switch to McLaren. Sauber team principal Peter Sauber praised Hulkenberg’s performance, fuelling speculation that the deal was close to completion.
Esteban Gutierrez, backed by Sauber sponsor Telmex, is now considered the favourite to partner Hulkenberg in 2013, with Kamui Kobayashi’s future uncertain after criticism for his first-lap incident in Korea. Jenson Button was particularly outspoken, criticising both Sauber drivers for their driving standards during the race.
- Adrian Sutil
- Jaime Alguersuari
- Sebastien Buemi
These three drivers are reportedly in contention to replace Hulkenberg at Force India, with Buemi also linked to Sauber before Hulkenberg’s deal progressed. Force India’s Otmar Szafnauer questioned why Sauber had not opted for Buemi, highlighting the uncertainty still surrounding several midfield seats for 2013.
What It Means for the 2013 Grid
Massa’s contract extension brings stability to Ferrari, which continues to pursue both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles with an experienced pairing. For Sauber, the arrival of Hulkenberg signals a shift towards proven pace and consistency, while the likely addition of Gutierrez reflects the team’s commercial and developmental priorities. Force India now faces the task of selecting a replacement from a shortlist of drivers with recent F1 experience.
