Massa sought guarantees before extending Williams deal

Before reversing course on his initial retirement plans, Felipe Massa felt compelled to ask Williams for several guarantees linked to the team's future direction.

When Claire Williams called the Brazilian to ask if he would consider extending his stay at the Grove-based outfit, perhaps Massa thought of a scene from 'The Godfather: Part3'.

With his family under threat, Michael Corleone - Al Pacino - grudgingly admits, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!".

But Massa sought a few reassurances from Williams before passing back through the team's revolving door.

"She called me straight away, so we spoke," said Massa.

"And then I took the plane to England to sit with her and just discuss so many things around that, so many things around the team, so many things that I believe [were] some ideas for the team that didn't work last year.

"So anyway, we had a very long conversation. And then it took a little bit of time to be 100 percent clear.

" It was not just due to myself, but also because of so many things around – with Mercedes, with Valtteri, with me. Anyway, it took a little bit of time."

Smedley: Massa style perfectly suited to FW40

In the end, Massa reveals that he listened to his own self, and simply followed his heart.

"I didn't really see any message saying 'don't do it'. I just followed my heart, that's what I love to do. I was for sure not ready to carry on in Formula 1 just to be part of the grid.

"I think if I work somewhere, I need to work in a place where I feel important, that I can be important, and maybe I can be competitive.

"I took this decision to carry on because I found the possibility to stay in a professional direction."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.