F1 cars not easier to drive, just different - Massa

Felipe Massa has hit back at suggestions driving a formula one car today is "easy". It is suggested the sport is pushing ahead with plans for more powerful engines and faster chassis regulations for 2017 or 2018 because the actual challenge for the drivers has become diminished in recent years.

But Massa, who has driven across F1's V10, V8 and now V6 eras, said: "When we had refuelling we were faster because the cars were lighter, but I don't think the cars are therefore easier to drive now. I think it's just different," said the Brazilian.

Massa said it is too simplistic for pundits and fans to compare laptimes between the past and present and come to conclusions about what the cars are like to drive. "They say it is now ridiculously easy to drive a formula one car," he said, "but I'm sure that an experienced guy would have problems in these cars."

"If you ask me if I'd like a faster car with more downforce, then of course," Massa continued. "But I don't think that would necessarily make it more difficult. Physically maybe yes, but the car would not be more difficult to drive." (GMM)

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Date
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14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
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11 - Apr 13 2025
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29 - Aug 31 2025
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19 - Sep 21 2025
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24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
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21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
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23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
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13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
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United Kingdom Silverstone
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1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
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Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
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Italy Monza
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Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
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17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
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7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
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United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
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Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country Brazil
  • Date of b. Apr 21 1981 (44)
  • Place of b. Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Weight 59 kg
  • Length 1.66 m
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