He's holding them up. He has more top end power, so they can't pass on the straight, but they would challenge for the lead in the handling section.
What we are seeing is that the problem is with the role that Massa was in and now Kimi has filled. Get rid of the influence of the Alonso/Briatore influence and the team will better gel as a whole.
I can't tell you how much I hope you're right there!...... Something to do with tire strategy I think.