There’s lots of speculation right now as to what the Formula 1 driver line-ups will be in 2013. Ferrari are at the centre of much of the gossip. Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Sergio Perez, Robert Kubica and seemingly most of the grid has been linked with the Ferrari seat currently occupied by Felipe Massa. However, there’s one man who’s not been talked about and who to my mind at least, would be the perfect choice – Kamui Kobayashi.
The main thing Ferrari will be looking for is someone who’ll be a regular podium contender but who won’t be quick enough to challenge Fernando Alonso for the championship. In Kobayashi, Ferrari would have someone who regularly qualifies in the top 10 and has demonstrated overtaking skills to match the very best on the grid. With the right equipment, he clearly has the potential to win multiple grand prix but probably not championships – an ideal scenario for Ferrari.
Linked to this is a second factor, Ferrari’s system of having designated No.1 and No.2 drivers. Many drivers won’t put up with this and it certainly caused issues in Ferrari’s recent talks with Button and Webber. However, it might well be easier to get someone like Kobayashi on board as a No.2 driver. Under normal circumstances he wouldn’t come close to getting a seat with Ferrari and might be more receptive to playing second fiddle to Alonso in return for a competitive car. Furthermore, there’s the added incentive that a solid year at Ferrari will put him in the frame for a more prolonged stay at either Red Bull or Mercedes who should have seats available from 2014. The longer term rewards might make Kobayashi more willing to put up with the short-term inconveniences he could face at Ferrari.
Even if Ferrari can offer prospective drivers an equal standing with Alonso, there’s an additional issue that the Ferrari seat is only likely to be available for one year given the rumours of a contract with Sebastian Vettel for 2014. For that reason, Ferrari won’t be able to attract the top tier of drivers: the likes of Hamilton and Raikkonen will feel they are worthy of multi-year contracts. Ferrari therefore will have a limited pool of drivers then can pick from. The likes of Paul di Resta or Sergio Perez might be options here but Kobayashi has more experience than the pair which helps his case.
There’s an added bonus of the marketing benefits that having Kobayashi would have. Traditionally, Japan’s always shown huge support to McLaren given their previous links with Honda. Kobayashi, however is by some margin the best driver Japan has had in recent years. As a country that seemingly loves it motorsport, Ferrari might be able to use Kobayashi as a way to help further their presence in Japan.
All things considered, I think Ferrari could do far worse than taking on Kobayashi for 2013. Doubt it will happen though, I’m expecting Felipe Massa to be around for another year…
