Perez not ready for Ferrari switch says di Montezemolo
12 September, 2012
Sep.12 (GM) Luca di Montezemolo has dealt a knockout blow to speculation that Sergio Perez could be set to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari next year.
After his second place at Monza last Sunday, rumours that Sauber’s Mexican Perez is now set to step up to Ferrari are rife.
But Ferrari president Montezemolo said: “Next season is too early.
“To put a young guy to Ferrari with the pressure of Ferrari, you need more experience,” he told Sky Sports News.
The comments seem to increase the likelihood that Ferrari will simply re-sign the improving Massa for 2013, with rumours still circulating that Sebastian Vettel could then switch from Red Bull for 2014.
Montezemolo admitted that he is impressed with the reigning double world champion.
“He’s young, he’s a very good driver and he’s … [developing] a very good experience,” he said. “So this could be, of course in the theory, but if you have to ask me the name I have to tell you this name [Vettel],” he added.
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Related posts:
- Ferrari keeping Perez on their radar for the future
- Montezemolo: Perez too inexperienced and still too early to judge Massa
- Perez not ruling out 2013 switch to Ferrari
- Perez rules out switch to Ferrari during 2012 season
- Montezemolo: Vettel to drive red car one day
Personally I’m still not sure where Lewis will end up. Even though he was shown to be pointing to the Italian flag on his helmet after his Monza win, he was definitely putting his finger on the RED square. I would understand it all a bit more if he wore the Singapore flag to the next race, but of course Lewis doesn’t do that.
Whatever is going on is all done and dusted and we will of course be the last to know. Was the red that Lewis pointed to the red of Michael’s helmet?
Webber let the cat out of the bag by admitting he had talks with Ferrari, so Massa knows for sure that he would not have a drive if Mark had said yes.
Perez is not only better than Massa when he first raced for Ferrari in 2007, he is also much better than Irvine or Barrichello at the relative stage of their F1 careers when they went to the red team.
IMO, I feel Montezemolo is hiding something up his sleeve. In fact, I believe he is waiting for Lewis Hamiltons contract and then he will decide from there. Real business deals happen last minute. Being this sport deals with millions of dollars…every move is calculated even if we agree or disagree. I think Vettel will not be with Ferrari and Perez will go. Hes hungry and already test drove there academy and wen this week…So if he isn’t ready or if they aren’t grooming him, what else are they using his time for? Then again I can be wrong if a new deal comes out “last min”
What more does he expect him to do to be regarded as being ready? Win a WDC with a midfield car?
I dont remember Massa putting in nearly as good performances in his Sauber to be chosen by Ferrari in 2006
I think Ferrari/Luca will regret not signing Sergio sooner rather than later…maybe if Lewis moves to Mercedes, Mclaren must sign him to partner Jenson..the Woking guys did wonders with a youthful Kimi when they signed him!!
Perez ain’t ready? What is Ferrari waiting for? The longer they keep Massa, the worse. Don’t they want to win constructors? Perez is 10X more capable than “the more experienced” Massa.
Ferrari should really let go of their stupid ego:
Lewis nearly won the WDC on his rookie season when McLaren plucked him stright from GP2. And Kimi lost the WDC to Schumi by only 2 points in 2003 – despite retiring from 2 more races than him, in his 2nd year in a MclLaren. Were they “not ready” by then?
They should do what McLaren have done. Opened up their eyes.
I think if Ferrari is looking for a long-term driver…..say Vettel….who is expected to join Ferrari in 2014……then its better if they go for a a guy who is ready for 1yr deal…..Perez is a very good option but….for 1 yr….its a waste….i would say Perez to stick with Sauber…..and ferrari to sign someone who is better then Massa for 2013 and get Vettel for 2014! If Vettel ain’t interested then look for Perez or even Bianchi!
How about Schumi for 1-yr deal for Ferrari for 2013?
And Massa will be ready like… in 2020? Wrong, Ferrari, wrong. Keeping Massa driving is like having only 1 car on the track: Alonso’s. Where’s Ferrari attempt to win constructor’s championship? At least Perez gives all effort into racing. Massa drives because… errrrrr, well, I certainly dont know. Why is he still driving in f1? He doesnt show any interest at all, starting in position 16 and finishing 14 is what Ferrari calls “ready”? LOL. At least the mexican revelation is hungry of success, Massa is still thinking about 2008 interlagos. Now the millionaire behind Perez will buy Sauber. Lets hope they pwn Ferrari next year. Remember Brawn GP?
Just allow Perez to get in the red car since now and he will be ready after 6 months. Keep him in other cars and it will take 3 years for him to be ready. (of course, other cars besides McLaren)
What do you mean he’s not ready? Then when is he suppose to be ready? You have already seen he has the speed you want, just take him in and replace Massa..