Claire Williams was unaware that Massa didn't want to retire

Claire Williams has admitted that she didn't know Felipe Massa didn't want to retire at the end of last season, and has no concerns over him returning for 2017. 

Massa announced his retirement at the Italian Grand Prix last year and after an emotional farewell, it all counted for nothing after Nico Rosberg retired causing a chain reaction which allowed Massa to return.

"We are never going to put a driver in the car who we don't believe can deliver," Williams told Sky Sports. "As everyone saw even in his last race last year [in Abu Dhabi], he delivered for this team.

"He has lost none of his motivation. I know there's a lot of talk out there 'let the guy retire, leave him alone' -- he wants to come back. Little-known to me, I didn't actually realise that he didn't really want to retire and so I think Felipe is going to do a good job this year."

The Brazilian will partner 18 year old Lance Stroll next season as the team are looking for someone with experience to go alongside a rookie.