Felipe Massa claims Williams’ poor start to the season is a result of the decision to prioritise money over talent with their driver line-up for 2018.
The Brazilian ended his Formula 1 career with the British team at the end of last year, bringing a four-season stint to a close which had arguably seen the team gradually fall down the order.
He would be replaced by Sergey Sirotkin with the Russian offering greater financial backing than his main rival and many people’s preferred choice, Robert Kubica, who instead took on the role of reserve and development driver.
However, three races into this year, Williams sit bottom of the Constructors’ Championship as the only team yet to score a point.
“It’s true that the team was suffering from the financial situation and I think they made decisions for 2018 putting money first,” Massa told Motorsport.com. “But this is not enough to make a competitive championship.”
Along with Canadian Lance Stroll, the two drivers are believed to offer around $90 million in revenue, with Williams reported a 30% increase in profits late last week.
However, deputy team boss Claire Williams has suggested that a failure to introduce a budget cap in 2021 could spell disaster for the historic team’s future.
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As for Massa, the 37-year-old admits he is pleased he left the team when he did.
“All I can say is that I came out with my head held high. I have a good relationship with everyone at Grove and I hope that the best for the team comes out as soon as possible,” he said.
“But I can add that I’m happy to have made my decision last year. I chose the right time and now I’m enjoying my life. I hope Williams can recover.”
