Williams: Massa and Stroll are a strong and exciting pairing

Williams team chief Claire Williams is confident that veteran Felipe Massa and rookie Lance Stroll will work well together in 2017, with the 35 year old Brazilian set to mentor the 18 year old during the course of the season.

Williams said in a Twitter interview, "I think it is a really strong pairing, an exciting pairing, with the experience that Felipe brings, and the rookie talent that Lance brings. I think that they'll work really well together."

Massa remains with the team for at least another year, while their former charge Valtteri Bottas has moved on to Mercedes.

Initially the Finn was set to remain with the team to mentor and coach Stroll, indeed the line-up was 'confirmed' late last year.

But Nico Rosberg's unexpected retirement created a game of musical chairs and Massa was the go to guy for the team to fulfill their obligations to Stroll, whose contract requires an experienced driver in the adjacent pit garage.

Williams explained, "Our pairing is somewhat similar. We had in Valtteri an experienced driver, with four seasons under his belt, and now we have Felipe, with his 15 years of experience. One of the most important considerations is how well the drivers will work [together]."

"Our predominant focus is on the Constructors' Championship so for us, having two drivers that know and understand the importance that we place on the Constructors' is critical."

"Lance and Felipe worked together last year, because Lance was part of the development programme that we had, [so] they've spent time together and we know they get on already."

"I'm looking forward to seeing what they can both bring to each other," added Williams.