Massa: "Hamilton could mentally demolish Leclerc at Ferrari"

Felipe Massa believes that Ferrari should stick to Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel as there driver line-up. However, should Vettel decide to leave, the Maranello-based racing stable would have to choose Daniel Ricciardo according to the Brazilian former Formula 1 driver.

"I wouldn't change anything about this lineup if I were Mattia Binotto," Massa starts talking to Corriere Dello Sport. Massa argues that Ferrari is doing well with Vettel and Leclerc. "Sebastian has won four world titles and Leclerc has enormous potential, which should not be underestimated."

The contract of Vettel will continue until 2020, but possibly the German will be ahead after this season in the royal class of motor racing. Binotto will then have to look for a replacement and according to Massa the team boss will have to throw a line at Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo. "I would go for him. He's very strong and very entertaining to see on the track."

A dream duo for many Formula 1 enthusiasts is Hamilton-Leclerc. Last year the 35-year old Brit of Mercedes was linked to Ferrari several times. He would even have had conversations with the president of Ferrari. A switch from Lewis Hamilton to the Italian team seems out of the question, but Massa secretly hopes that it will happen after all. "That would be a dream. However, Hamilton could get in the way of Charles' growth and possibly mentally demolish him. It could turn out wrong."