Williams confirms Massa extension for 2017

©Williams

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Felipe Massa surrendered to Williams' appeal that he remain an active Formula 1 driver for one more year following Valtteri Bottas' yet to be confirmed move to Mercedes.

Williams insisted early on that it required an experienced driver to tackle the 2017 season marked by the introduction of new regulations.

It also made clear that facing the upcoming challenge with one rookie, Lance Stroll, and a still inexperienced hopeful such as Pascal Wehrlein would put the Grove-based outfit at a serious disadvantage.

The Brazilian will thus be racing for a fourth consecutive year with Williams.

“Firstly, I am very happy to have an opportunity to return to Williams," Massa says.

"I always intended to race somewhere in 2017, but Williams is a team close to my heart and I have respect for everything it is trying to achieve.

"Valtteri has a great opportunity, given the turn of events over the winter, and I wish him all the best at Mercedes.

"In turn, when I was offered the chance to help Williams with their 2017 Formula One campaign, it felt like the right thing to do.

"I certainly have not lost any of my enthusiasm for racing and I’m extremely motivated to be coming back to drive the FW40.

"The support from my fans over the last few weeks has been a huge boost and I'm grateful for that.

"I also look forward to working with Lance; I’ve known him for many years and seen his talent develop during that time, so I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together."

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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.