Massa says Bottas tried to pass but failed

Felipe Massa, who blitzed into the lead from the start of the British Grand Prix, has hit back at claims he spoiled Williams' chance of victory at their home race at Silverstone.

Some believe that if teammate Valtteri Bottas had passed the Brazilian rather than been told to hold station after their meteoric starts, the Finn might have charged away from the two Mercedes at Silverstone.

"I think I could have opened a gap," Bottas is quoted by UOL Esporte. "When Felipe stopped, I was a second faster. I had a lot of pace in the first stint. It's always easy to talk afterwards, but I think it could have been better for me."

But when asked about Bottas' claims, Massa responded: "That's exaggerated. If he was so much faster, he would have passed me. But he tried and failed."

[alert type=blue ]Comment

There is a great deal of hype swirling around Valtteri and a possible switch to Ferrari. However taking a step back from the spin one has to ask: Why would Ferrari want him? After all he is comfortably matched by Felipe (who Ferrari ousted) in races, and is 6-3 down to the Brazilian in qualifying. And honestly the young Finn's his 'roll over and die' attitude at Silverstone was alarming - there was no real anger or aggro in his attacks, and his defence was woeful. Compare that to Seb who made little work of Kimi when he had to get by. Right now Valtteri is not providing a convincing enough performance to warrant be chosen, by the Reds, over say Hulkenberg or Ricciardo.[/alert]