Formula 1 veteran Felipe Massa has hinted at possible division within the Williams team over who they think should partner Lance Stroll in 2018, with at least three drivers believed to be being considered.
Despite early satisfaction over the Brazilian’s performances, speculation has been increasing that perhaps the Grove team will look elsewhere with reserve driver Paul di Resta and former Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica believed to the main alternatives.
So keen is Williams to test the Pole that they apparently wanted him to test the 2014 car at a private day of running in Suzuka between Singapore and Malaysia, but the Stroll family, who pay for the extra test days, reportedly didn’t agree with the idea.
Regardless, Massa, who would end up following his young teammate home on Sunday at Sepang after the team introduced a team order when the 37-year-old came out ahead after the pit-stop phase, made an interesting claim about those who want to see him remain.
“I’m sure I have most of the team on my side, especially the engineers and people who know about motor racing,” he told Sky Sports, “but at the end of the day you have some other things around that it’s maybe not the talent that decides.”
The former Ferrari driver only stayed at Williams this season after he opted to put off ending his F1 career to allow Valtteri Bottas to join Mercedes in January, but he insists any thought of retirement this year wouldn’t be of his own doing.
“I’m quite relaxed. I know what I can give and I’m totally motivated to carry on another year,” he said. “If I’m here next year I will do my best to give the best to the team but, if not, then I’m relaxed to find a different way of my life.”
Massa, who has spoken of a desire to try Formula E, would conclude, however: “I will not wait until December. I don’t want to arrive at the last two races not knowing about my future.”
