Comments by Felipe Massa’s father suggest the Brazilian driver’s camp is unimpressed with the events of last weekend’s German grand prix.
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.
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.
The comments follow a period of criticism in the Brazilian press, with writers saying Massa showed a lack of courage.
"It is regrettable and unfortunate that Ferrari took this decision," Massa Snr is quoted in Italian language reports, including the Libero newspaper.
The reports said the comments originated on Brazilian television CATV.
"It is clear to everyone that this was a team order," added Massa’s father.
"Like any good employee, Felipe must obey the boss; there is a hierarchy and he followed orders showing loyalty."
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.
"It is a good choice when only one of the two drivers has no mathematical chance, but this was not the case. Both still had a chance to win," he said.