Eleven-time winner Massa still hungry for more F1 action

BRAZIL’S Felipe Massa is keen to continue racing in Formula 1, but he is aware that the decision may be out of his hands.

The 11-time Grand Prix winner is in the dark over his future with Williams, who are considering their driver options for next season.

Williams are thought to be considering recent Renault test driver Robert Kubica of Poland and their British reserve Paul di Resta as possible alternatives to Massa for next season alongside Canadian Lance Stroll.

The 36-year-old Massa clocked the 12th fastest time of 1:33.394 in free practice at the Petronas Malaysia Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

“I’m always a professional driver. I will stay and finish as a professional driver.

“That is the most important thing for me.

“So, the team know what I can give to them.

“I have all the people who understand about motor racing on my side in the team – engineers and everyone.

“Then you have some other decisions that are not dependent on the talent of the driver or what he can give to the team from the driving point of view,” said the former Ferrari driver.

Although Williams remain his only option to stay in F1 next year, Massa said he was not worried about his racing future.

“I’m quite relaxed. I know what I can give.

“I’m totally motivated to carry on another year.

“I’ll stay if the team really want to have me as a professional because that’s what I have always been in my career.”

Massa’s plan to retire last year were scuppered when Valtteri Bottas of Finland moved to Mercedes after Nico Rosberg quit after winning the world title.

This resulted in the Brazilian making a return to the sport in December.

“I don’t have a time line, but I hope it will be known over the next few weeks as I don’t want to arrive in the last two races not knowing about my future,” said Massa.