Vitaly Petrov reckons if Ferrari do opt to axe Felipe Massa, they won't press ahead with their plans until Formula One's "August" break.
With just two points from five races many believe it won't be long before Ferrari tire of the Brazilian's lackluster results and hand him his marching papers.
And although the Brazilian is adamant Ferrari are standing by him and the team's spokesman Luca Colajanni has said they may even retain him for next season, Petrov surmises Massa has until the August break to say goodbye.
"I don't think they'll fire Massa just now," the Caterham driver told Moscow news agency Ria Novosti. "At least not until August."
But, having said that, Petrov also believes Ferrari have not completely run out of patience with their driver.
"I wouldn't say that Ferrari are criticising him that strongly. They're not saying he has one more chance or anything like that.
"Yes, he's under pressure, but they're letting him do his job."
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