Williams "felt bad" asking Massa to come out of retirement

Claire Williams has admitted that she felt a little awkward when asking Felipe Massa to re-join the team.

The Brazilian called a day on his F1 career at the end of the 2016 season but was brought back in to replace Mercedes bound Valtteri Bottas who replaces definitely retired-for-2017 Nico Rosberg. Williams also wanted an experienced driver to partner rookie Lance Stroll.

"Bless him, Felipe had announced his retirement, we had a whole fanfare around it, and then to have to phone your ex-driver up and say 'would you mind coming out of retirement?' you feel quite bad about it," said Williams.

"But I've never heard anyone so happy and excited, so it was a big relief for us."

Massa said that an offer to come back was too good to refuse and thinks his experience can help the team in the new era Formula One enters in 2017.

"After we had this conversation it was very difficult for me to say no to keep working for a team that I really love to be part of," Massa said..

"Especially in a year when everything starts from zero. Completely different rules for the cars, it will be a very difficult year from the physical point of view for the drivers - and I like that.

"I like new things starting so I'm sure my experience can help the team. I hope to have a competitive car and to grow a lot from the first to the last race. I'm really motivated."

Fergal Walsh