After announcing his retirement form Formula 1 at the 2016 Italian Grand Prix, Felipe Massa is set to make a surprise return to the grid for the forthcoming 2017 season according to Motorsport.com.
Felipe Massa to drive for Williams in 2017
Although the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was to mark his final race in Formula 1, Felipe Massa is set to make a surprise comeback to the sport for 2017 in what has been a somewhat premature retirement from the sport.
Until a few weeks ago, Massa’s retirement from F1 after 250 race starts looked certain, however, following the unexpected announcement of Nico Rosberg‘s retirement after winning the 2016 World Championship, the driver market was launched up in the air, and Massa was once again in the frame to be on the grid in 2017.
After Mercedes approached Williams about releasing Valtteri Bottas from his contract for 2017, Massa once again came into the frame for a place on the 2017 grid. Since then, it has been reported that Massa has since signed with Williams once again for the 2017 season.
2017 will be a season that marks massive regulation changes, particularly in terms of aerodynamics, and for this reason it is imperative that Williams secure an experienced driver, with 18 year old F1 rookie Lance Stroll also being in the car for next season. Furthermore, it was also vital for Williams to secure a driver over the age of 25 in order to suit the needs of their title sponsor for advertising, with the Martini name joining Williams in 2014.
Due to Massa being signed by Williams for 2017, this has opened up Bottas’ options for next year, with it being most likely that the Finn will join Mercedes to partner Lewis Hamilton. The announcement of who will partner Hamilton for 2017 however, will not be announced until next year.
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