Brazilian Ferrari driver Felipe Massa does not seem to be bothered by the all the rumors surrounding him, refusing to let it get to him, saying while he's a Ferrari driver he will give the team his all.
With new rumours almost every week naming the 31 year old Brazilian's possible replacement, his days appear to be numbered especially after reports emerged last month claiming that Ferrari had let their option on him for next season lapse.
But despite all of the talk, the Ferrari team continues to support their driver. Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali came out last week and said that Massa knows what he needs to do to secure a future with the team.
Speaking to Autosport, the Italian said: "I think Felipe knows what he has to do. He needs to maximise the performance that he can because we need his capabilities behind the wheel. We need points to try to attack first place in the Constructors Championship, and also to take away points from the other drivers in the Drivers' Championship."
The Brazilian is aware that the pressure is on him, however, it's nothing new for the grand prix winner, who won 11 times.
"For many people it seems like this is the first time this has happened to me, but it is not," Massa told TotalRace. This has happened many times even before I entered Formula 1 where if I didn't win the race there was no money for the next."
At the end of 2006 reports claimed the Brazilian would be dropped to make way for Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen. Instead it was multiple world champion Michael Schumacher who decided to quit Formula One.
"Back then everyone was sure I would not continue with the team, that Kimi would be signed to partner Schumacher. Many even said Valentino Rossi was going to take my place. Every year there is something we have to deal with and get over. And this year I'm preparing and concentrating as much as possible to have a better second half of the Championship. I will continue to drive for Ferrari, representing the flag of Brazil," the driver said.
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