Williams: No reason why Massa can’t stay on

Claire Williams says Felipe Massa would remain at Williams come 2018 having “more than delivered” for the team this season.

Although Massa retired from F1 at the end of last season, he was back in action this year after being called up to replace Valtteri Bottas.

His experience has not only helped the team with the sport’s new aerodynamic rules but he has also assisted rookie driver Lance Stroll.

As such, Williams says the Brazilian could stay on in 2018.

“I don’t see why not [Massa to stay], he’s done such a great job this year,” she said.

“We were very fortunate that he decided to come out of retirement – the shortest retirement ever – and help us out.

“We were really lucky with that and he has more than delivered this year on so many levels for us.

“Whether that be delivering the points haul that he has, supporting the other side of the garage and helping Lance, being a really strong team player and working with Paddy and looking at all the areas that can be improved with his level of experience that he has.

“I think as a driver, any driver needs to be motivated to continue in F1 and that’s his decision whether he still has the motivation to continue, but seeing him this year, I don’t doubt he has motivation at all.”