Williams mentality change won't take effect until 2018 - Massa

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Felipe Massa commends Williams for its recent mentality and development changes, but insists their impact won't be seen until next season.

Under the guidance of tech boss Paddy Lowe which moved to Williams from Mercedes at the beginning of the year, the Grove-based outfit has embarked on substantial changes to its overall approach and design efforts.

While Massa's future with Williams still remains unclear, the Brazilian says a big turnaround is in the works as the team shifts its focus to its 2018 challenger.

He believes however that the gradual process likely won't have much bearing on the team's performance for the remainder of the year.

"I don’t think it will be addressed for this season but I think we can still improve a little bit the car this season," Massa said.

"The mentality of the development needs to be different. It is different already, but maybe not for this year.

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"Many mentalities, many ideas I have pushed for three years and it has not changed. I think now the mentality has changed, but it’s not for the now, it’s for the future."

Lowe's presence has been the catalyst for change, says Massa, and a change which was long overdue.

"Yes, [Paddy has helped] a lot. Not only Paddy, but I think the mentality of the team,” he said.

"There were so many errors it was not really correct but now it’s correct. Unfortunately, we couldn’t improve the car in the way we wanted this year, but the mentality is completely different already.

"The idea is completely different for developing a new car, which I believe Williams can have next year in terms of even the looks. But it’s impossible to say now how it will be next year. You don’t know what the others are doing.

"Everybody knows the rules, the rules are the same next year. To be honest, we know other teams are not stupid, but it’s important to change the mentality to really build things in the right way. We’ll see."

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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.