Massa 'happy to continue' in 2018

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Felipe Massa went through a revolving door at the beginning of the year, retiring from F1 only to be pulled back in after Valtteri Bottas joined Mercedes.

But the 36-year-old, who is in his fifteenth season of F1, is enjoying his racing at Williams and ready to extend his stay at the Grove-based outfit.

"As the middle of the season draws near, it is inevitable that talk has started shifting to 2018, and I've already started facing questions from the media about my plans for the future – and especially next year," Massa wrote in his Motorsport.com column.

"I feel good, I'm happy doing what I'm doing and I have a great relationship with the whole Williams Martini Racing organisation.

"Plus, above all that, I know I'm still competitive, which is what matters most.

"So on that basis, I would be happy to continue what I have always wanted to do – which is to race in F1."

Stroll Snr 'could not be prouder' of son's performance

Massa also praised team mate Lance Stroll for the Canadian's first world championship points, a much-needed achievement for the rookie given his troubled start of the year.

"After some difficult times in F1, he needed a breakthrough like this, and I am certain that taking away some points from his home race will allow Lance to continue his rookie F1 season with more confidence."

The subject of Massa's future will be revisited over the summer, but now the Brazilian is just focused on the next race.

"I am just looking ahead to the Baku track, which is another venue where our car could show well. Last year the results were positive, and I think again the circuit will suit our 2017 challenger."

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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.