Massa talking to other teams with Williams future unclear

Felipe Massa claims he is talking with other Formula One teams as his future at Williams remains up in the air.

Brazilian Massa is in the final year of his contract with Williams, but the 35-year-old would be happy to extend his stay.

However, the former Ferrari and Sauber driver revealed he has held discussions with other teams while his position for next season lacks clarity.

“I love to work for Williams – it’s a nice team. I have this team inside my heart and it always will be there, so I think we need a little bit more time to understand what is going to happen in 2017,” said Massa in an interview with the official F1 website.

“Of course I am also talking with some other teams – and to myself as well! For sure, I have some plans, but it would not be right for me to give hints right now.”

Massa, who is unconcerned by comments linking Sergio Perez and Jenson Button to Williams, did not rule out a potential move away from F1 if he cannot feature in a competitive car in 2017.

“It is natural that the team is always looking for the best – or what they believe is the best under certain circumstances,” added the Brazilian.

“Jenson is a great driver and Sergio has shown that he has developed into a great driver as well. So I would sum up the current situation as business as usual if a team has a cockpit to fill.

“I want to be in Formula One to matter. I am definitely not here to make up the numbers.

“I am here to give my talent and my work to achieve results. If I don’t have that I will look for different things. So everything is moving.”

Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams insists the team are happy with the efforts of Massa and team-mate Valtteri Bottas, whose deal also expires at the end of the season, but will not rush into a line-up decision.

“I think as we have said very clearly we are very happy with the job Felipe and Valtteri have done for us,” she said.

“I know everybody is waiting for our announcement now that lots of other teams have made theirs, but we are not ready to announce our line-up for [20]17 yet but we are working through all our options but I hope we will be able to make that announcement shortly. [We will make an announcement] by the end of the year.”