Massa and Williams to remain on good terms regardless of future

As Williams ponders its 2018 driver line-up, tech boss Paddy Lowe says the Grove-based outfit and Felipe Massa will remain on good terms regardless of what the future holds.

Williams is in the process of selecting the man who will race alongside Lance Stroll next season, with several drivers contending for the seat.

The team recently tested both Robert Kubica and Paul di Resta in a 2014-spec car, but Mercedes protégé Pascal Weherlein and former Red Bull driver Dany Kvyat are also in the frame, according to Lowe.

Massa grinds his axe: 'Kubica will suffer with this car'

Incumbent Felipe Massa hasn't been ruled out however, but regardless of his fate, Lowe insists the Brazilian who has been racing with Williams since 2014 will always be welcome at Grove.

"Relationships between teams and drivers around renewals is always tense but most of us when we go to apply for a job it is done in private but in F1 it is a very public affair," Lowe said.

"That does make it more awkward than we would like.

"Felipe is a great guy and has a great relationship with Williams with respect on both sides. I think whatever we conclude together I think we will remain on good terms."

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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.