It’s been rumoured for weeks and on Monday came the confirmation - Felipe Massa is to come out of what was a very brief retirement to race again for Williams this season, replacing his old team mate Valtteri Bottas, who heads to Mercedes. So was it a tough decision? Here’s what Massa had to say on the matter…
Q: You said at the end of last season that you felt it was the right time to retire from Formula One racing, what has changed?
Felipe Massa: My intention was always to race somewhere, as I still have the passion for racing and competing. I also have a strong love for Williams as I have enjoyed the last three years with the team, and therefore coming back to help give stability and experience to drive things forward in 2017 was something that felt right to do.
The scenes I saw in Brazil and Abu Dhabi last year are ones that I will never forget
Test 3779 ticket
Motorsport is a team sport and I look forward to supporting him in any way I can
Q: What are your thoughts on your new team mate Lance Stroll?
FM: I’m looking forward to working with Lance, having known him for a long time. He has proved in the championships he has competed in so far that he deserves this opportunity, and it’s great to welcome new talent into Formula One. Lance may be young, but Williams has a history of bringing young drivers into the sport. He knows there is a steep learning curve ahead, but motorsport is a team sport and I look forward to supporting him in any way I can.
Q: What are your thoughts and hopes for 2017?
FM: It’s going to be an exciting year with all the regulation changes and I’m going to be spending lots of time with the team now preparing for the season. It’s too soon to make predictions, as we haven’t even turned a wheel. But I can say that I’m very much looking forward to driving the FW40 when testing begins next month.
Q: Williams are celebrating 40 years in Formula One racing this year: are you looking forward to being part of that?
FM: Yes, very much. Williams has such a great history in the sport and reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement. I know the team has more plans to celebrate this year and I’m looking forward to being part of them.
