Ferrari's Felipe Massa today criticised the "very stupid fights" that have blighted Formula One this year and he believes a breakaway series could be on the cards.

The sport is heading for a permanent split unless a late compromise can be struck over the next few days between the FIA and the Formula One Teams' Association.

That is now growing increasingly unlikely after motor sport's governing body today criticised FOTA for the latest breakdown in talks and made it clear the £40million budget cap will be in place next year, threatening the future of several teams. Massa fears F1 has reached breaking point and the Brazilian said: "We need our sport to be in better shape, because over the past few months there have been some very stupid fights.

"The situation looks bad at the moment but if agreement can be reached then it can have a healthy future. If not, then we need to look seriously at what is the best option.

"As the teams appear to be united, then maybe it is time to look at doing something different that could be better for the sport."

Massa's Ferrari are one of eight teams fighting the cap and the FIA have said that if an agreement is not done before Friday then they will replace the rebels with new entrants for next season.