Ferrari hiring rookie Charles Leclerc to replace veteran Kimi Raikkonen is a seismic shift in their tradition of drivers as with the Frenchman on-board they are clearly banking on youth to take the team into the next era of Formula 1.
Massa who, like Leclerc, in his early career made his way to Maranello via Sauber believes the Reds have made the right call, "They did well, besides the huge talent he also has an incredible head on his shoulders, in my opinion he is even more mature than Max Verstappen."
"I am convinced that one day he will be able to become world champion. And together with Sebastian Vettel, they will push each other. Ferrari in 2019 will have a great driver pairing."
Many believe that Verstappen is the first of a stellar cast of young drivers who will become the stars of the future, the Dutchman's potential challengers includes the likes of Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly.
Verstappen at 21 is already an established star in Formula 1 with a very long career on the cards, 20-year-old Leclerc has the makings of an archrival. Next season will reveal if this indeed is the one of the feuds to feed F1 headlines for the next decade.
With regards to this season, Massa is surprised by Mercedes' advantage so late in the season, "I thought Ferrari was in with a chance, on many occasions they proved to have the better car, but then Mercedes developed the car better."
"Earlier they managed to score more points thanks to Ferrari's mistakes, like at Hockenheim and Monza, but now they have a technical advantage."
"They also stay calm despite the lead they have on the table. They put zero pressure on Hamilton whose last three or four races have been incredible, phenomenal qualifying. Difficult to see anyone at his level."
Massa knows too well about the politics that come with being a Ferrari driver, "I talk from my own experience, having been there, at Maranello the pressure is nothing a driver will ever experience in any other team."
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