In the wake of reports linking the likes of Paul, Di Resta, Robert Kubica, Jolyon Palmer and Marcus Ericsson to his seat at Williams for next year, Felipe Massa has repeated that he is keen to stay with the team and is relaxed whatever happens regarding his future.
Speaking to Sky ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, Massa said, “[Williams] know me pretty well so they know what I can give to the team. Also we have some other names [being considered].”
Massa opted to take up an offer to remain with Williams in 2017 despite announcing his retirement at the end of last year. But he was offered an opportunity to prolong his career at the pinnacle of the sport to replace Valtteri Bottas who departed for Mercedes.
This season the Brazilian has not been aided by a below-par car at his disposal, but has ticked the boxes which required him to mentor rookie Lance Stroll while fulfilling sponsorship obligations for Martini which his teenage teammate could not perform.
Canadian teenager Stroll is expected to stay for a second season, but of late Massa’s seat has been subject to speculation.
However the 11 times grand prix winner is not perturbed about the situation, “I’m quite relaxed. I know what I can give and I’m totally motivated to carry on another year.”
“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.
“I will not wait until December but I don’t put a timeline but I hope it will be in the next weeks. I don’t want to arrive at the last two races not knowing about my future,” he added.
Word in the paddock is that Lawrence Stroll, Lance’s father, is keen for Massa to stay and in the end may sway the decision thanks to his investment and influence with the team.
Should another year in Formula 1 not happen, Massa is said to have options to continue his career in Formula E.
Big Question: Should Williams keep Felipe for another season?