With his 229 starts in F1, Felipe Massa entered the top 10 most experienced drivers in the history of the discipline. Among active drivers, only Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso, and Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen have done better than him.<\/p>\n
The Brazilian is counting on this vast experience to enhance his value in the transfer market in 2017 when significant technical changes related to aerodynamics will be implemented. He did not hide it from our colleagues at Autosport: I think I have a good chance to continue at a high level. Next season, there will be big changes for everyone, and people will be looking for experience. They want drivers who know what to say and do to help develop the team. So, I might be able to stay at a high level, but it’s hard to say at the moment.<\/i><\/p>\n
In the past two seasons, he has experienced a true revival with Williams, after a period at Ferrari where he noticeably fell behind, particularly compared to his then-teammate, Fernando Alonso. He has made it to the podium five times, which convinced Williams to keep him for a third season.<\/p>\n
The Paulista does not necessarily consider this 14th F1 season to be his last. If the conditions are right, he can see himself continuing, but not under just any circumstances: “I still have a year on my contract. This year, I will see what I will do. If I don’t have the opportunity to continue at a level I need and deserve, then I will stop. I will have time to think about it.”<\/p>\n
Without a doubt, many drivers will be interested in these thoughts as Williams has returned to a level more in line with its glorious past.<\/p>\n