Two points for Massa
The Brazilian veteran remained very calm, apart from the bumps in the road. The result was a satisfying ninth place, given the Williams' profile in Monaco. Lance Stroll did not see the finish line.
Sir Frank’s team can count on Felipe Massa. For the fourth time this season, the Sao Paulo native scores points for his team. Yet, the situation was poorly managed after the qualifications. Like its predecessors, the FW40 struggled on the demanding Monaco circuit, despite having a very short wheelbase. Worse still, as the driver himself tells us: “I am very happy with this result and the fact that I scored points today. We had brake problems from the start and I had to manage them throughout. I’ve never had to do that in my career!”
Starting fourteenth, the former Ferrari driver made two pit stops, including a final one during the safety car intervention (ultra-soft tires), after the collision between Button and Wehrlein. Remaining in twelfth position in the second part of the race, car number 19 benefited from the late-race developments. He first moved up to eleventh after Vandoorne’s crash at the restart after the Safety Car.
First spectator of the fight between Pérez and Kyvat, Massa hit the jackpot during the 71st lap, after the collision between the two drivers: « At the end of the race, Pérez tried to pass Kyvat with his fresh tires. I then thought: stay like that and just try to get a few points, which is exactly what happened! My experience as a driver really helped me to score points today, I’m very happy about it! »
The young Montrealer was less successful, forced to retire due to excessively low temperatures. The 2016 European F3 champion had openly complained over the radio about this situation, loudly demanding help from his team: « My driving was OK but we had a problem at the end, which made me stop. Unfortunately, these kinds of things happen, especially in Monaco. There were a few incidents, which means the tires lost temperature. »
Difficult so far to assess the full potential of Lance Stroll after this fourth retirement in six races. However, the Canadian Grand Prix in two weeks might be an opportunity to shine: « But the next race is at home, so I will feel good vibes! It will be very special to return home and know that our car might be in good shape. »
In the constructors’ standings, the Williams team maintains the sixth position, with a total of 20 points, slightly behind Toro Rosso (29 points).
