2
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
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
United Arab Emirates
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
4 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Felipe Massa
158,212 comments on Williams 39 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Williams
Replies (2)
Login to replymclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Maybe because he has nothing to lose or prove now he's got an extra spring?
boudy
Posts: 1,168
..... ouch ...
Getting paid to drive fast on a circuit in a car that is build for you. I would be up for that also.
Merc must have made a massive offer to Williams F1. Did not think Williams would let Bottas go.