F3 championship leader Lance Stroll is in the frame for the seat vacated by Felipe Massa at Williams in 2017.
Stroll is currently in a development role at Williams alongside his F3 commitments having joined the team in November last year after leaving the Ferrari Driver Academy. The role he took on the time saw Williams commit to giving the Canadian youngster "extensive simulator time" as part of a program similar to that enjoyed by Valtteri Bottas before his promotion to a race seat.
With Massa announcing his retirement from F1 at the start of the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Williams has at least one race seat available for next year and saw Jenson Button ruled out after he decided to take a year off racing in 2017 while staying with McLaren.
Button had been high on the Williams list, and his decision has strengthened Stroll's chances of securing a race seat after an impressive campaign in F3 so far. With seven victories to his name this year already, Stroll currently holds a 61-point lead in the drivers' standings.
Williams is believed to have options over the 18-year-old as a result of its current deal, and could opt to promote Stroll next season. Although he does not currently have a superlicence to race in F1, Stroll will earn enough points to secure one if he finishes in the top three of the F3 championship this year.
COMMENT: McLaren's 2017 driver line-up: A stroke of genius?
REPORT: Imperious Hamilton storms to Monza pole
Silbermann says ... Mad about Max, Monza and Massa
Claire Williams on Felipe Massa and 2017 driver plans
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
