Massa 'zero scared' about rumors of Button return to Williams

©WRI2

While Formula 1's silly season has yet to begin, speculation centered around the future of Felipe Massa is already underway.

The Brazilian admitted this week that negotiations with the Grove outfit regarding his employment for 2017, and perhaps beyond, had been initiated.

But one rumor currently making the rounds of the F1 paddock is that Jenson Button could return to the team which kick-started his career as a Grand Prix driver.

Given McLaren recent commitment to the future of its reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, who is hoping to graduate to full-time status next year, and in light of Fernando Alonso's contract with McLaren for 2017, many are betting that Button, who is not contracted to McLaren-Honda for next season, will end up being the odd man out at the end of this year.

Should the 36-year-old Button, a veteran of 290 Grand Prix, be interested in returning to Williams, it would necessarily imply the departure of either Felipe Massa or Valtteri Bottas. The former remains unfazed however by the latest wave of speculation.

"We all know about rumours in Formula 1," Massa told Press Association Sport.

"To be honest I am zero scared and worried about anything. I am really happy working for Williams - this is a team which gives me a lot of pleasure to work for - and I see the same with them working for me.

"It would be nice to stay, but it would be nice to stay in a team where you really see that you can do a good job and have a good future. I am ready for everything to be honest."

Massa joined Williams in 2014 following an eight-year spell with Ferrari which saw him win 11 times and just miss out on the world title by a single point in 2008.

The 35-year-old believes that as long as he is offered a competitive drive, his motivation to performa t the highest level will remain intact.

"I want to be doing Formula 1 when I have a team that I really feel happy to work with, and a team that can be competitive.

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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.