---
title: "Massa offered £5 million for F1 return"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2016/12/18/massa-offered-5-million-f1-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Bethonie Waring"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2016-12-18T15:00:32Z"
modified: "2016-12-18T15:00:32Z"
---

# Massa offered £5 million for F1 return

Rumours that Felipe Massa will put his retirement on hold have grown stronger with reports that the Brazilian has been offered £5 million to return in 2017.

The 35-year-old is favourite to replace former teammate Valtteri Bottas should the Finn get the call to join Mercedes following Nico Rosberg’s retirement. Williams want an experienced hand to pair with rookie Lance Stroll as the team tries to recover the momentum they saw in previous seasons.

Perhaps more importantly, sponsors Martini might have a say in the signing, as two drivers under the age of 25 may be deemed unmarketable by the brand.

![Mark Thompson/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2016/12/622156518.jpg)

Deputy team principal Claire Williams told the BBC Williams would only allow Bottas to leave: “If an experienced, credible alternative was available, such as someone like Felipe Massa.” With most of the grid already secured, the team has limited options when searching for a replacement.

Brazilian media is now reporting that Massa has received a formal offer from Williams, amounting to around £5 million, plenty of spending money for the Massas’ Christmas holiday.

> Twitter: On the way to our holidays! Time to enjoy , relax and ![?](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2/svg/1f914.svg)… a caminho das férias! Curtir , descansar e ![?](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2/svg/1f914.svg)… https://t.co/L6iPXPu1yP (@MassaFelipe19)

The 2017 line-up is unlikely to be announced this year, as Mercedes have said they won’t confirm their line-up until January.