In theory, Ferrari could use Raikkonen to "back up" Hamilton in a way that is advantageous for Massa.
For another, it is debatable how much - deep down - he really wants Massa to be champion.
Massa must finish first or second in Brazil to have any chance of taking the title.
Massa looked certain to win when his engine blew with three of the 70-lap race remaining.
Ferrari soon released a statement on their official website following Massa's reported comments during those conversations.
Massa said he had a "hunch", but added it will not affect their relationship.
His personal doctor, Dino Altmann, told reporters Friday that Massa had made rapid strides.
Hamilton finished seventh in Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, as Brazilian Massa cut his lead.
Massa slipped down to third in the standings and is now eight points shy of Hamilton.
Vettel beat Ferrari's Fernando Alonso by 0.076 seconds, with the Spaniard's team-mate Felipe Massa in third.
If successful, Hamilton would have seen his lead increase over Ferrari's Massa to seven points.
Robert Kubica took second for Renault, ahead of the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso.
The day's first session saw Hamilton narrowly beat title rival Felipe Massa by just 0.080secs.
The demotion meant Hamilton's lead over Massa in the title chase cut to two points.
The Englishman was demoted to third place behind Ferrari's Felipe Massa and BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld.
Grosjean's teammate Kimi Raikkonen took fifth, ahead of the two Ferrari drivers Alonso and Felipe Massa.
All we could see was Massa slumped in the car, which is never a good sign.
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher is to race again for Ferrari while Massa recovers.
Massa was visited by Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali and Domenicali's predecessor Jean Todt on Tuesday.
There had been speculation that Massa would continue his recovery at the Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris.
The Canadian finished 16th and a massive 1.4secs slower than Sauber team-mate Felipe Massa.
Coming from behind, Massa has it all to do, whereas Hamilton can play the percentages.
In the other, seven points behind his rival in the standings, is Ferrari's Felipe Massa.
McLaren's Hamilton has a seven-point lead over Ferrari's Massa ahead of Sunday's title decider at Interlagos.
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton survived a puncture and another clash with Ferrari's Felipe Massa to finish fifth.
Massa's teammate and world championship leader by 24 points, Fernando Alonso will start down in 10th.
Massa, at the end of races, always rolls up his sleeve to show off his timepiece.
Massa's task could, however, be hampered by wet weather as rain has been forecast for this weekend.
Had he failed to get past, Massa - who won the race - would have been champion.
They needed to accommodate Alonso, but Massa and Kimi Raikkonen were both already under contract for 2010.
应用推荐