Williams: 'Ferlipe Massa could stay in 2018'

Felipe Massa of Williams poses for a portrait during day one of F1 winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya on March 1, 2016
© Getty Images
Felipe Massa could stay in Formula 1 beyond the end of this year, according to Claire Williams.

Felipe Massa could stay in Formula 1 beyond the end of this year, according to Claire Williams.

The veteran Brazilian declared this week that he is not ruling out yet another year in Formula 1 for 2018. Massa actually retired at the end of last year but was lured back to the British team after Valtteri Bottas got the call-up to Mercedes.

When asked if a new deal for Massa is on the cards for 2018, Williams said: "I see no reason why not.

"We are fortunate that Felipe decided to interrupt his retirement and return to the team, and this year he is working very well, scoring points and helping Lance [Stroll].

"Also with his experience, he has been very effective in discussing with Paddy Lowe how to improve the car. So if we talk about next year, firstly it will be his decision if he feels sufficiently motivated to continue."

Williams are fifth in the team rankings heading into this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP leads Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP into the first corner during the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 10, 2015
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TeamPoints
1Mercedes287
2Ferrari254
3Red Bull152
4Force India89
5Williams-Mercedes40
6Toro Rosso33
7Haas29
8Renault18
9Sauber5
10McLaren2
DriversTeamPoints
1Sebastian VettelFerrari171
2Lewis HamiltonMercedes151
3Valtteri BottasMercedes136
4Daniel RicciardoRed Bull107
5Kimi RaikkonenFerrari83
6Sergio PerezForce India50
7Max VerstappenRed Bull45
8Esteban OconForce India39
9Carlos SainzToro Rosso29
10Felipe MassaWilliams-Mercedes22
11Romain GrosjeanHaas18
12Nico HulkenbergRenault18
13Lance StrollWilliams-Mercedes18
14Kevin MagnussenHaas11
15Pascal WehrleinSauber5
16Daniil KvyatToro Rosso4
17Fernando AlonsoMcLaren2
18Stoffel VandoorneMcLaren0
19Jolyon PalmerRenault0
20Marcus EricssonSauber0
21Antonio GiovinazziSauber0
22Jenson ButtonMcLaren0