Stewart: Changes won't hurt Ferrari

Stewart disagrees with the theory that without Brawn's guiding influence and the talismanic Schumacher, Ferrari could return to the kind of internal chaos that often plagued the team in previous decades.

"The momentum from their technical spend over the last five years is still riding high," Stewart told Autosport magazine.

"They have spent an enormous amount - because of Schumacher insisting on some of that stuff, and Ross Brawn motivating everyone, and Jean Todt getting approval to keep spending that sort of money. Those people all had enormously powerful credentials and although Michael and Ross have gone, their inertia is still flying, if you like."

He predicts that Felipe Massa will become Ferrari's lead contender this season, having been impressed by the Brazilian's progress in 2006.

"I see Massa having a great season, I must say," said Stewart. "Towards the end of last year he showed enormous promise.

"His speed early on was pretty spectacular - but it was fast and furious. When he settled, he went even quicker.

"I thought his winning drive in Brazil was a masterpiece of pace - I was sure the boy was waiting to be refused permission to continue at that speed because it was Michael's last race.

"His drive was very well paced with no mistakes and if he continues to do that he is a serious challenger for the world championship.

"As for (Kimi) Raikkonen, well, we know he is very fast but can he get his mind management together - and is he capable of romancing what is a very Italian team?

"I mean, they are not clinical operators - they need a driver they love, and they loved Michael, because they recognised his incredible commitment."