'They made me an offer I could not refuse,' says Massa

©Williams

40

In hindsight, Felipe Massa's tearful farewell in Brazil and then again in Abu Dhabi led to a revolving door which has brought the Williams driver back in to the team he had just left.

We're not sure he will have to give back the gifts he received as a young retiree, but he's back in action and very much pumped up for a new challenge.

"It’s going to be an exciting year with all the regulation changes and I’m going to be spending lots of time with the team now preparing for the season," Massa said.

"It’s too soon to make predictions, as we haven’t even turned a wheel. But I can say that I’m very much looking forward to driving the FW40 when testing begins next month."

Massa probably didn't need to think long and hard about returning to the Formula 1 fray given the encouragement he received on multiple levels: friends, fans and certainly his financial advisor although he will remain mum on the subject.

"Valtteri has been offered a fantastic opportunity and, as a result, an opportunity arose for me.

"When the media began reporting that I might return, I was touched by the response from so many fans who wanted to see me back in the sport.

"That was certainly a factor in the decision, so I’d like to thank the fans for their support. But, at the end of the day, when I received the call it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. It was Williams!

"I won’t be discussing figures or any details regarding the negotiations. All I will say is that this was the right decision and I am happy to continue as part of the team."

Williams confirms Massa extension for 2017

And Massa also has a few words for those who may doubt his motivation to hang it out for another year.

"When I joined Williams back in 2014 I found a team – and a family – that I have loved being a part of. I certainly haven’t lost the desire to race and fight on track.

"Whatever I would have turned my hand to this year, I would have been putting 100% effort into doing the best job that I can, and if I didn’t have that passion, I would not have agreed to return."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.