Almost 11 months after announcing his retirement from Formula 1, Felipe Massa’s career looks set to continue as both he and Williams hint at remaining together in 2018.
The Brazilian would put off his decision to end his F1 career, which would allow Lance Stroll into the team, to partner the young Canadian as Valtteri Bottas became the man to replace retired world champion Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.
At the time it was thought Massa would return for a year before a more permanent replacement was found for 2018 but such has been his performance and the value Williams believes he brings, another year together is on the cards.
“Felipe is world champion material,” Technical Director Paddy Lowe claimed. “I think if we could give Felipe the right car, he could go and get the job done.
“He is clearly very talented. It’s a great pleasure to work with him and find out how he works … He’s fun to work with, and a very stable and dependable guy.”
The former Mercedes boss also praised his work as a mentor to Stroll in the 18-year-old’s rookie season in F1.
“He’s a fantastic guy to work with,” he said. “Enthusiastic, friendly, very supportive of Lance and the learning that Lance needs to go through.”
Massa himself would acknowledge he probably wasn’t ready to hang up his helmet last year and had been linked to Formula E in the time when he was thought to be retiring.
Now, he claims those few months have actually helped him as a driver meaning he has no intention to call it a day.
“I have no reason not to stay in Formula 1,” he told Motorsport.com.
“I’m racing in a much more relaxed way and I’m happy with what I do in the car. Not thinking about some other things that are sometimes inside your job just makes you more relaxed.
“Doing what I like to do, enjoying it and no pressure. I was a little bit unlucky in a few races, but I’m enjoying it,” he added.
“I’m really in good shape, the way I’m driving, the way I understand the car and everything but we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
