Room for Vettel at Ferrari?

The Korean Grand Prix resulted in contrasting fortunes for the two drivers fighting for their seats.  While Kamui Kobayashi was torpedoing his way through the pack, ending the race for Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg on the first lap, Felipe Massa drove a storming race to finish fourth just behind his team mate, Fernando Alonso.  The man around whom so much speculation about his drive for next year remains, had more pace than his team mate for much of the race, especially in the final stages.  Of course he would never have been allowed to overtake in his status as number two driver.

Massa's podium gifted the team with valuable points.

Following his podium finish in Japan, and the fourth place yesterday, Massa is presenting himself as a good option for Ferrari next year.  He is after all, doing what the team ask of him, driving for the team, not himself.  This is essentially what the 'other' driver has to do when driving for the Maranello team, this being the reason why the rumours about  Sebastian Vettel joining Alonso at Ferrari for the 2014 season must hold no weight. 

Michael Schumacher had Eddie Irvine, Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa as subordinate team mates.  Kimi Raikkonen had Massa before Alonso inherited him.  Having the second driver works for Ferrari because it is all about the team.  There is no room for battling team mates.  Points for the team and Tifosi are too precious. 

So, Vettel and Alonso.  Both drivers are currently in teams built totally around them.  Alonso is emerging more and more as a leader within Ferrari. 

Fernando surveys his team from the back of the garage.

Only someone supremely confident would think they could go in and change those dynamics.  But then we are only too aware of the confidence Vettel has...