Felipe Massa has said that he would “like to accept a new challenge” for 2018, after announcing that he retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the season.
The Brazilian was set to retire at the end of 2016 but was recalled by Williams when they had a sudden vacancy after Valtteri Bottas was signed to replace the then-reigning world champion Nico Rosberg at Mercedes due to his shock retirement.
Massa has partnered Lance Stroll for the 2017 campaign and has scored 36 points, four less than his young team-mate.
When breaking the news of his retirement, Massa had admitted that he would have liked to have continued with the team, but Williams has been in no hurry to make its decision regarding next year’s driver line-up, prompting him to call time on his F1 career once again.
“Part of me wanted to carry on because I think I’m still competitive enough to race a top-line Formula 1 car, and also because I feel very good at Williams,” Massa said in his column for Motorsport.com.
“But every story has to come to an end at some point, and on my part, I have no regrets.
“Exactly a year ago I lived the same situation, and then suddenly the team asked me to come back.
“For me, it was a real privilege to do so and something I appreciated a lot, and a year later I am ready to follow a different path – happy with what I have done and what we have achieved this season.”
Last year there were rumours that Massa would compete in Formula E, but so far he is keeping quiet about his future plans.
“There are those who will be curious to know where I will be racing next year, but it is too early to declare now,” said Massa.
“For now my focus is on finishing the season. I have two more Grand Prix to do, which will be important for me and the team, and then you will see.
“I will consider all the possibilities that I have been offered, and then decide without hesitation nor with the stress of being on track at all costs. I like to race, I feel competitive, and that’s what I want to do.
“I would like to accept a new challenge, as long as it is a professional role and with good prospects to deliver strong results.
“While I enjoy racing, I want to keep doing it – and keep getting the pleasure that I have always had throughout my career.”
