Massa wants “different path” after retiring from F1

Massa quit F1 at the end of 2016, but was enticed back by Williams to replace Valtteri Bottas, who left for Mercedes ahead of the current campaign. 

The Brazilian admits he was keen to stay on in F1 for a 16th season, as he feels competitive enough to compete, but has “no regrets”. 

“Part of me wanted to carry on because I think I’m still competitive enough to race a top-line Formula 1 car, and also because I feel very good at Williams,” he said in his column for Motorsport.com. “But every story has to come to an end at some point, and on my part I have no regrets.

“Exactly a year ago I lived the same situation, and then suddenly the team asked me to come back. For me, it was a real privilege to do so and something I appreciated a lot, and a year later I am ready to follow a different path – happy with what I have done and what we have achieved this season.”

Massa plans to continue racing, with Formula E on the agenda in the future, but has yet to decide what his programme will be next year. 

“There are those who will be curious to know where I will be racing next year, but it is too early to declare now," said Massa, who has scored 11 wins, 41 podiums, 16 pole positions in F1 and finished runner up to Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 drivers' championship. 

“For now my focus is on finishing the season. I have two more grands prix to do, which will be important for me and the team, and then you will see. I will consider all the possibilities that I have been offered, and then decide without hesitation nor with the stress of being on track at all costs. I like to race, I feel competitive, and that's what I want to do. 

“I would like to accept a new challenge, as long as it is a professional role and with good prospects to deliver strong results. 

“While I enjoy racing, I want to keep doing it – and keep getting the pleasure that I have always had throughout my career.”