Comments by Felipe Massa’s father suggest the Brazilian driver’s camp is unimpressed with the events of last weekend’s German grand prix.<\/p>\n
After standing miserably on the Hockenheim podium, the 29-year-old insisted it was his decision to pull over and let his Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso win.<\/p>\n
But Luiz Antonio Massa, who a year ago was sitting at his son’s bedside in a Budapest hospital, has declared that Felipe did in fact obey a team order.<\/p>\n
The comments follow a period of criticism in the Brazilian press, with writers saying Massa showed a lack of courage.<\/p>\n
“It is regrettable and unfortunate that Ferrari took this decision,” Massa Snr is quoted in Italian language reports, including the Libero newspaper.<\/p>\n
The reports said the comments originated on Brazilian television CATV.<\/p>\n
“It is clear to everyone that this was a team order,” added Massa’s father.<\/p>\n
“Like any good employee, Felipe must obey the boss; there is a hierarchy and he followed orders showing loyalty.”<\/p>\n
Massa Snr indicated that he agrees in principle with team orders, but not when the driver in question is still fighting for the world championship.<\/p>\n
“It is a good choice when only one of the two drivers has no mathematical chance, but this was not the case.\u00a0 Both still had a chance to win,” he said.<\/p>\n
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