Massa signs €6 million deal to race for Williams in 2017

Robot · Post by **Robot** » Sun Dec 18, 2016 4:15 pm

I rather hit myself with a hammer than watch Massa race again in F1.

TheGiantHogweed · Post by **TheGiantHogweed** » Sun Dec 18, 2016 5:27 pm

Robot wrote:I rather hit myself with a hammer than watch Massa race again in F1.

That is one silly comment. If you really mean that then you've got a problem.

Invade · Post by **Invade** » Sun Dec 18, 2016 6:33 pm

It could just be Timmy's mallet.

F1 MERCENARY · Post by **F1 MERCENARY** » Sun Dec 18, 2016 6:56 pm

Robot wrote:I rather hit myself with a hammer than watch Massa race again in F1.

I have a nice 5lb hammer that I'd be quite delighted to bludgeon you with to spare you from having to watch one of the top drivers in the world do his thing.

Lt. Drebin · Post by **Lt. Drebin** » Sun Dec 18, 2016 8:52 pm

Robot wrote:I rather hit myself with a hammer than watch Massa race again in F1.

Robot hitting himself with a hammer? This would not end well.

moby · Post by **moby** » Sun Dec 18, 2016 9:54 pm

Lt. Drebin wrote:
Robot wrote:I rather hit myself with a hammer than watch Massa race again in F1.
Robot hitting himself with a hammer? This would not end well.

Sounds like a "do until" loop without a fall through

ALESI · Post by **ALESI** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 12:21 am

scotlandforever wrote:Massa is a waist of time, by mid-season we will hear rumors about another retirement party in Brazil?

Most likely seeing as it will be a one year deal and he just retired once, I don't see your problem, you make it sound like Massa was begging to come back. They are asking him, let's not forget.

Oh and it's waste. Not waist. That's what's between your belly and your pickle.

Blackhander · Post by **Blackhander** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 3:40 am

As a viewer I would much rather see some new talent being brought through the ranks rather than an old driver being brought out of retirement. As for the team Williams would much more benefit from having an experienced driver developing their car, so it's more than likely what will happen

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 4:04 am

Blackhander wrote:As a viewer I would much rather see some new talent being brought through the ranks rather than an old driver being brought out of retirement. As for the team Williams would much more benefit from having an experienced driver developing their car, so it's more than likely what will happen

Apart from Massa, do they have any other option when it comes to an experienced driver?

Massa's form really went downhill in 2016. Don't know if he felt he wasn't good enough or had a hunch much in advance he'll be replaced?

He's loved in the paddock & a title in 2008 would've not done him any harm.

Even if Massa returns, Williams lineup won't be that strong. Anyway what matters for Williams, is to get good technical feedback & get better if they would be languishing deep in the midfield.

ALESI · Post by **ALESI** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 9:08 am

UnlikeUday wrote:
Blackhander wrote:As a viewer I would much rather see some new talent being brought through the ranks rather than an old driver being brought out of retirement. As for the team Williams would much more benefit from having an experienced driver developing their car, so it's more than likely what will happen
Apart from Massa, do they have any other option when it comes to an experienced driver?

Massa's form really went downhill in 2016. Don't know if he felt he wasn't good enough or had a hunch much in advance he'll be replaced?

He's loved in the paddock & a title in 2008 would've not done him any harm.

Even if Massa returns, Williams lineup won't be that strong. Anyway what matters for Williams, is to get good technical feedback & get better if they would be languishing deep in the midfield.

Williams need a) good technical feedback, b) continuity in one of the cars, c) a name driver who will keep the sponsors on board until they can secure a better alternative. Sometimes you just have to work through a year to get where you want to be and that's what next year is going to be for Williams.

red_baron · Post by **red_baron** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 9:49 am

Robot wrote:I rather hit myself with a hammer than watch Massa race again in F1.

With that level of stupidity, I imagine you'd miss.

I haven't found Massa particularly thrilling to watch lately, and I thought when he retired it was quite fitting. I'd love to see someone new and exciting in the Williams... and I will whatever happens with Stroll. But if Bottas goes and they need someone with experience, who provides reliable feedback and looks as if they might drink a Martini rather than follow-on milk, perhaps Massa's the right man for the job.

mcdo · Post by **mcdo** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:51 am

As if Williams hadn't been uninspiring enough lately. Now sponsors are deciding who goes in both of Frank's cars

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:58 am

mcdo wrote:As if Williams hadn't been uninspiring enough lately. Now sponsors are deciding who goes in both of Frank's cars

That's the price a privateer team will have to pay very often!

scotlandforever · Post by **scotlandforever** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 12:37 pm

ALESI wrote:
scotlandforever wrote:Massa is a waist of time, by mid-season we will hear rumors about another retirement party in Brazil?
Most likely seeing as it will be a one year deal and he just retired once, I don't see your problem, you make it sound like Massa was begging to come back. They are asking him, let's not forget.

Oh and it's waste. Not waist. That's what's between your belly and your pickle.

In fairness I support the Brits in F1, so I really couldn't careless about Massa, good luck if he accepts Williams offer a nice wee pension top up for racing with the Manor's and Sauber's next season.

Thanks for tips on spelling - Yawn

Blloydtbird · Post by **Blloydtbird** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 1:01 pm

scotlandforever wrote:
ALESI wrote:
scotlandforever wrote:Massa is a waist of time, by mid-season we will hear rumors about another retirement party in Brazil?
Most likely seeing as it will be a one year deal and he just retired once, I don't see your problem, you make it sound like Massa was begging to come back. They are asking him, let's not forget.

Oh and it's waste. Not waist. That's what's between your belly and your pickle.
In fairness I support the Brits in F1, so I really couldn't careless about Massa, good luck if he accepts Williams offer a nice wee pension top up for racing with the Manor's and Sauber's next season.

Thanks for tips on spelling - Yawn

Grammar actually, as you spelled the word correctly, just chose the wrong one

.

Back on topic, while I'd like to see someone else at Williams, it seems the team would be more comfortable with a known factor going into 2017. Worse decisions have been made.

ALESI · Post by **ALESI** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 2:33 pm

So what happens if Massa decides not to come back? Williams keep Bottas and Pascal gets the Merc seat?

ALESI · Post by **ALESI** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 2:36 pm

scotlandforever wrote:Thanks for tips on spelling - Yawn

Sorry, must be my wife's influence rubbing off on me. Just seemed an unusual one, unlike tire, dominate, etc...

Exediron · Post by **Exediron** » Mon Dec 19, 2016 9:00 pm

ALESI wrote:
scotlandforever wrote:Thanks for tips on spelling - Yawn
Sorry, must be my wife's influence rubbing off on me. Just seemed an unusual one, unlike tire, dominate, etc...

Tire is correct if you're from North America. I get you on dominate, though - I can't count the number of times I've seen people say something about a 'less dominate car' for example - and that's even beside the fact that at least half the forumites use it as a substitute for 'competitive' anyway. Red Bull didn't have a less dominant car than Ferrari - neither had one at all!

say_hello_2_the_angels · Tue Dec 20, 2016 9:36 am

I don't actually think this is a bad idea for 1 season. For a few reasons:

1. Massive rule change. An experienced driver who has been through several of these would be invaluable.

2. People say Massa hasn't been the same since his accident. But I think he's not been the same since the last major body work and tire overhaul changes. I think that these changes would actually suit massa - and that we might see car that suits the way he drives.

3. He'd be back with zero pressure. Knowing it's one year, in a new formula, just there to enjoy it. And when he enjoys his raving he is sublime on his day - turkey 2006, Valencia 2008, Brazil 2006, and that Singapore pole lap (although the race didn't go to plan) but that pole lap must be one of the most over looked in F1 history.

These are just my opinions. And I appreciate that not everyone will agree, if any infact. I just don't think it would be a bad idea.

ALESI · Post by **ALESI** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 9:51 am

say_hello_2_the_angels wrote:I don't actually think this is a bad idea for 1 season. For a few reasons:

1. Massive rule change. An experienced driver who has been through several of these would be invaluable.

2. People say Massa hasn't been the same since his accident. But I think he's not been the same since the last major body work and tire overhaul changes. I think that these changes would actually suit massa - and that we might see car that suits the way he drives.

3. He'd be back with zero pressure. Knowing it's one year, in a new formula, just there to enjoy it. And when he enjoys his raving he is sublime on his day - turkey 2006, Valencia 2008, Brazil 2006, and that Singapore pole lap (although the race didn't go to plan) but that pole lap must be one of the most over looked in F1 history.

These are just my opinions. And I appreciate that not everyone will agree, if any infact. I just don't think it would be a bad idea.

I agree. Massa doesn't get the credit he deserves. I watched a 'tribute' video to him yesterday and on his day he was great. And even now, people give Bottas a lot of credit saying the Williams is horrible but they don't extend the same courtesy to Massa do they?

slide · Post by **slide** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:48 am

Williams have a young pupil driving next year and massa will be teacher , it does make perfect sense , you can't have 2 pupils with no teacher
next year at Williams is going to be pretty boring , unless pupil is a quick learner, then we might see some excitement at Williams - I hope they got a really big discount on 2017 engines cause they have thrown away a racy 2017 , and Williams will pale into significance for now

we won't see people saying in ten years " wow what about the year Williams had in 2017 , I remember it well"

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 2:05 pm

ALESI wrote:
say_hello_2_the_angels wrote:I don't actually think this is a bad idea for 1 season. For a few reasons:

1. Massive rule change. An experienced driver who has been through several of these would be invaluable.

2. People say Massa hasn't been the same since his accident. But I think he's not been the same since the last major body work and tire overhaul changes. I think that these changes would actually suit massa - and that we might see car that suits the way he drives.

3. He'd be back with zero pressure. Knowing it's one year, in a new formula, just there to enjoy it. And when he enjoys his raving he is sublime on his day - turkey 2006, Valencia 2008, Brazil 2006, and that Singapore pole lap (although the race didn't go to plan) but that pole lap must be one of the most over looked in F1 history.

These are just my opinions. And I appreciate that not everyone will agree, if any infact. I just don't think it would be a bad idea.
I agree. Massa doesn't get the credit he deserves. I watched a 'tribute' video to him yesterday and on his day he was great. And even now, people give Bottas a lot of credit saying the Williams is horrible but they don't extend the same courtesy to Massa do they?

Massa gets too much credit in terms of his driving.

Daniel Gallagher · Post by **Daniel Gallagher** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 2:43 pm

Brazilian prominent motorsport site Grande Prêmio just confirmed Massa signed a contract with Williams yesterday, December 19th.

The contract is worth €6 million valid for 2017 and has a clause which invalidates the deal in case Mercedes doesn't go for Bottas. The official announcement will be made when Mercedes announces Bottas as Rosberg's replacement driver.

Source: http://grandepremio.uol.com.br/f1/notic ... to-rosberg

UnlikeUday · Post by **UnlikeUday** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 3:10 pm

Daniel Gallagher wrote:Brazilian prominent motorsport site Grande Prêmio just confirmed Massa signed a contract with Williams yesterday, December 19th.

The contract is worth €6 million valid for 2017 and has a clause which invalidates the deal in case Mercedes doesn't go for Bottas. The official announcement will be made when Mercedes announces Bottas as Rosberg's replacement driver.

Source: http://grandepremio.uol.com.br/f1/notic ... to-rosberg

Good to see Massa return.

This will also please Bernie as he wanted a Brazilian driver on the grid!

F1 MERCENARY · Post by **F1 MERCENARY** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 3:22 pm

mikeyg123 wrote:
ALESI wrote:
say_hello_2_the_angels wrote:I don't actually think this is a bad idea for 1 season. For a few reasons:

1. Massive rule change. An experienced driver who has been through several of these would be invaluable.

2. People say Massa hasn't been the same since his accident. But I think he's not been the same since the last major body work and tire overhaul changes. I think that these changes would actually suit massa - and that we might see car that suits the way he drives.

3. He'd be back with zero pressure. Knowing it's one year, in a new formula, just there to enjoy it. And when he enjoys his raving he is sublime on his day - turkey 2006, Valencia 2008, Brazil 2006, and that Singapore pole lap (although the race didn't go to plan) but that pole lap must be one of the most over looked in F1 history.

These are just my opinions. And I appreciate that not everyone will agree, if any infact. I just don't think it would be a bad idea.
I agree. Massa doesn't get the credit he deserves. I watched a 'tribute' video to him yesterday and on his day he was great. And even now, people give Bottas a lot of credit saying the Williams is horrible but they don't extend the same courtesy to Massa do they?
Massa gets too much credit in terms of his driving.

Sorry but you don't know what you're talking about. Apparently team strategy counts for nothing in your book but Williams has repeatedly made silly mistakes that cost both their drivers, and more importantly the team in the WCC and Massa has suffered the worst of it. Interesting how Massa detractors are quick to call him out on his crash at Brazil, saying it's evident he's lost it, yet Raikkonen, Grosjean, and even Verstappen who spun unaided CLEARLY telegraphed how terrible conditions were and they ALL lost their cars from out of nowhere due to conditions. Verstappen was merely [get this]… LUCKY AS FUDGE he didn't smack the armco, because as much people sang his praises for "keeping it off the wall" in Brazil 2016, he was just fortunate his car snapped back when and how it did. He was but a mere passenger and was at the mercy of whatever his car did while out of his control and wherever it would come to rest or end the spin. The one thing that wasn't is skill. I found it amusingly funny when Max was describing it as he watched the replay it after the race. The only thing missing was an "I meant to do that". And less we forget, he spun due to a mistake on his part.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... t6G3Q#t=42

Blinky McSquinty · Post by **Blinky McSquinty** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 3:40 pm

mikeyg123 wrote:Id rather take Di Resta.

So if you were running a team where driver continuity is critical, you would go for a driver who knows a heck of a lot less about the car? When a new car design comes out, if you do not have relevant feedback from the previous year you are almost guaranteed to slide back in development. Because if at the beginning of the season if progress is not forward, then the entire year will be one of woe and shame, probably driving off sponsors and surrendering the handsome payout at the end of the season.

So in detail,please describe exactly why you think di Resta would be a better choice than Massa?

Lt. Drebin · Post by **Lt. Drebin** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 3:56 pm

Ohhhh! So he signed!

scotlandforever · Post by **scotlandforever** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 4:17 pm

Daniel Gallagher wrote:Brazilian prominent motorsport site Grande Prêmio just confirmed Massa signed a contract with Williams yesterday, December 19th.

The contract is worth €6 million valid for 2017 and has a clause which invalidates the deal in case Mercedes doesn't go for Bottas. The official announcement will be made when Mercedes announces Bottas as Rosberg's replacement driver.

Source: http://grandepremio.uol.com.br/f1/notic ... to-rosberg

Nothing in the UK media about this, I can't get over Williams over looking di Resta for a Massa, anyway good luck to Massa a nice pension top-up.

I hope Massa returns his retirement gifts?

I'm off to become a Monk after this news

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 4:39 pm

Blinky McSquinty wrote:
mikeyg123 wrote:Id rather take Di Resta.
So if you were running a team where driver continuity is critical, you would go for a driver who knows a heck of a lot less about the car? When a new car design comes out, if you do not have relevant feedback from the previous year you are almost guaranteed to slide back in development. Because if at the beginning of the season if progress is not forward, then the entire year will be one of woe and shame, probably driving off sponsors and surrendering the handsome payout at the end of the season.

So in detail,please describe exactly why you think di Resta would be a better choice than Massa?

For a start, Di Resta is test and reserve driver so is already inbeded in the team allowing them continuity.

But aside from that I would take a hungry Di Resta over a mentally checked out Massa all day. Especially as Di Resta would be about 5 million dollars cheaper. He also has links to Mercedes possibly keeping their engine partner sweet.

I think you overplay the need for continuity. Plenty of teams have changed both drivers and not -

"almost guaranteed to slide back in development. Because if at the beginning of the season if progress is not forward, then the entire year will be one of woe and shame, probably driving off sponsors and surrendering the handsome payout at the end of the season."

As you put it.

I can think of loads of examples where that hasn't happened.

So yes. if I was Claire Williams my first call would be to Di Resta.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 5:13 pm

Bigbazz wrote:Di Resta is at least as good as a well past his prime Massa, probably better. But Di Resta isn't a good reference for the team as he hasn't been driving the car for the last few years as Massa has. I don't see why Massa would take the offer though, he's not winning any races with Williams and he was already pretty happy to retire, the body-language and way he spoke after the end race.

Does Massa really need 6 million to spend another year working his balls off as a stand-in development driver for the team, who aren't going to be winning any races?

People work their balls off, as you put it, for a lot, lot less.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 5:14 pm

Banana Man wrote:
Paolo_Lasardi wrote:Oh, no, not Massa again. Cannot think of a more boring solution from a fan's point of view.
On the up side, he might finally be able to beat a team mate for the first time in about 12 years.

Then again...

Since 2008 to be precise.

pokerman · Post by **pokerman** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 5:23 pm

nixxxon wrote:
TheGiantHogweed wrote:
nixxxon wrote:From an entertainment point of view, I'd rather see Pastor Maldonado return to his debut team.
Although his relationship with Williams didn't end well, he has had a lot of experience with the team as well as a win in 2012. And I'll be honest, although he is well remembered for crashing, he really wasn't bad in 2015 at all. It is just his bad years that people remember him by. He had several very good races in 2015, especially Canada and Austria. It was mainly his awful luck that made him look bad. I mean he didn't finish any of the first 6 races and it was all due to mechanical problems. I would rather see Massa come back but Maldonado could possibly be another option and he may be better choice than Di Resta as he has at leased had 2 years experience in the hybrid era as well as the fact he's been racing with the team before. But I have no I dear how Maldonado's sponsors will affect his ability to get back into f1.
I dont think Maldonado is a great driver but he was at least a match for Bottas in 2013 and he should bring in more entertainment than Massa

I don't think that Williams would ever entertain Maldonado again after his appalling attitude when he was at the team.

TheGiantHogweed · Post by **TheGiantHogweed** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 5:24 pm

Looks like it may well be hit with hammer time for the robot now Massa is likely to be racing next year if Mercedes sign Bottas. Not a good thing to do to electronics! But seriously, if this is true, then the Robot must have a problem

Just switch off your power each time Massa is on screen instead of using a hammer!

Robot wrote:I rather hit myself with a hammer than watch Massa race again in F1.

Daniel Gallagher · Post by **Daniel Gallagher** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 5:56 pm

mikeyg123 wrote:
Blinky McSquinty wrote:
mikeyg123 wrote:Id rather take Di Resta.
So if you were running a team where driver continuity is critical, you would go for a driver who knows a heck of a lot less about the car? When a new car design comes out, if you do not have relevant feedback from the previous year you are almost guaranteed to slide back in development. Because if at the beginning of the season if progress is not forward, then the entire year will be one of woe and shame, probably driving off sponsors and surrendering the handsome payout at the end of the season.

So in detail,please describe exactly why you think di Resta would be a better choice than Massa?
For a start, Di Resta is test and reserve driver so is already inbeded in the team allowing them continuity.

But aside from that I would take a hungry Di Resta over a mentally checked out Massa all day. Especially as Di Resta would be about 5 million dollars cheaper. He also has links to Mercedes possibly keeping their engine partner sweet.

I think you overplay the need for continuity. Plenty of teams have changed both drivers and not -

"almost guaranteed to slide back in development. Because if at the beginning of the season if progress is not forward, then the entire year will be one of woe and shame, probably driving off sponsors and surrendering the handsome payout at the end of the season."

As you put it.

I can think of loads of examples where that hasn't happened.

So yes. if I was Claire Williams my first call would be to Di Resta.

Yeah, because you, I and everyone else on this forum are really in the position to know exactly what to do and how if we were Claire Williams.

Laughable, really.

mikeyg123 · Post by **mikeyg123** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:24 pm

Daniel Gallagher wrote:
mikeyg123 wrote:
Blinky McSquinty wrote:
mikeyg123 wrote:Id rather take Di Resta.
So if you were running a team where driver continuity is critical, you would go for a driver who knows a heck of a lot less about the car? When a new car design comes out, if you do not have relevant feedback from the previous year you are almost guaranteed to slide back in development. Because if at the beginning of the season if progress is not forward, then the entire year will be one of woe and shame, probably driving off sponsors and surrendering the handsome payout at the end of the season.

So in detail,please describe exactly why you think di Resta would be a better choice than Massa?
For a start, Di Resta is test and reserve driver so is already inbeded in the team allowing them continuity.

But aside from that I would take a hungry Di Resta over a mentally checked out Massa all day. Especially as Di Resta would be about 5 million dollars cheaper. He also has links to Mercedes possibly keeping their engine partner sweet.

I think you overplay the need for continuity. Plenty of teams have changed both drivers and not -

"almost guaranteed to slide back in development. Because if at the beginning of the season if progress is not forward, then the entire year will be one of woe and shame, probably driving off sponsors and surrendering the handsome payout at the end of the season."

As you put it.

I can think of loads of examples where that hasn't happened.

So yes. if I was Claire Williams my first call would be to Di Resta.
Yeah, because you, I and everyone else on this forum are really in the position to know exactly what to do and how if we were Claire Williams.

Laughable, really.

Then why do we bother discussing anything?

Blake · Post by **Blake** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:31 pm

scotlandforever wrote:
Daniel Gallagher wrote:Brazilian prominent motorsport site Grande Prêmio just confirmed Massa signed a contract with Williams yesterday, December 19th.

The contract is worth €6 million valid for 2017 and has a clause which invalidates the deal in case Mercedes doesn't go for Bottas. The official announcement will be made when Mercedes announces Bottas as Rosberg's replacement driver.

Source: http://grandepremio.uol.com.br/f1/notic ... to-rosberg
Nothing in the UK media about this, I can't get over Williams over looking di Resta for a Massa, anyway good luck to Massa a nice pension top-up.

I hope Massa returns his retirement gifts?

I'm off to become a Monk after this news

why not take Robot, who will be a vegetable after hitting himself in the head with a hammer, with you. it will give you something to do in your seclusion.

shoot999 · Post by **shoot999** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:31 pm

TheGiantHogweed wrote:Looks like it may well be hit with hammer time for the robot now Massa is likely to be racing next year if Mercedes sign Bottas. Not a good thing to do to electronics! But seriously, if this is true, then the Robot must have a problem Just switch off your power each time Massa is on screen instead of using a hammer!

Robot wrote:I rather hit myself with a hammer than watch Massa race again in F1.

Not a problem. Given the air time Massa gets, if Robot blinks in the right place that'll do the trick. Obviously have to do something else for Brazil as we have to allow extra time for Massa to have a good cry.

moby · Post by **moby** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:41 pm

Blake wrote:
scotlandforever wrote:
Daniel Gallagher wrote:Brazilian prominent motorsport site Grande Prêmio just confirmed Massa signed a contract with Williams yesterday, December 19th.

The contract is worth €6 million valid for 2017 and has a clause which invalidates the deal in case Mercedes doesn't go for Bottas. The official announcement will be made when Mercedes announces Bottas as Rosberg's replacement driver.

Source: http://grandepremio.uol.com.br/f1/notic ... to-rosberg
Nothing in the UK media about this, I can't get over Williams over looking di Resta for a Massa, anyway good luck to Massa a nice pension top-up.

I hope Massa returns his retirement gifts?

I'm off to become a Monk after this news
why not take Robot, who will be a vegetable after hitting himself in the head with a hammer, with you. it will give you something to do in your seclusion.

Hitting a robot with a hammer is often called "reset"

mmi16 · Post by **mmi16** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:50 pm

UnlikeUday wrote:Massa got $4.5 million a year whereas Bottas got $3.5 million a year in 2016.

No doubt, Massa is getting a pay hike but he should realise he was ousted to make way for the dollar kid. It could also be Williams saw a potential retirement in him much before he made an announcement & that's when they signed Stroll.

More than money, it matters if he still has the speed & the adrenalin running in his wins to score a podium!

Now, with Botas apparently moving on to MB, Stoll's contract REQUIRES Williams to have a established driver in the other seat. diResta doesn't fill that requirement.

Amazing how you think you have reality figured out - then it changes!

ALESI · Post by **ALESI** » Tue Dec 20, 2016 7:15 pm

F1 MERCENARY wrote:
mikeyg123 wrote:
ALESI wrote:
say_hello_2_the_angels wrote:I don't actually think this is a bad idea for 1 season. For a few reasons:

1. Massive rule change. An experienced driver who has been through several of these would be invaluable.

2. People say Massa hasn't been the same since his accident. But I think he's not been the same since the last major body work and tire overhaul changes. I think that these changes would actually suit massa - and that we might see car that suits the way he drives.

3. He'd be back with zero pressure. Knowing it's one year, in a new formula, just there to enjoy it. And when he enjoys his raving he is sublime on his day - turkey 2006, Valencia 2008, Brazil 2006, and that Singapore pole lap (although the race didn't go to plan) but that pole lap must be one of the most over looked in F1 history.

These are just my opinions. And I appreciate that not everyone will agree, if any infact. I just don't think it would be a bad idea.
I agree. Massa doesn't get the credit he deserves. I watched a 'tribute' video to him yesterday and on his day he was great. And even now, people give Bottas a lot of credit saying the Williams is horrible but they don't extend the same courtesy to Massa do they?
Massa gets too much credit in terms of his driving.
Sorry but you don't know what you're talking about. Apparently team strategy counts for nothing in your book but Williams has repeatedly made silly mistakes that cost both their drivers, and more importantly the team in the WCC and Massa has suffered the worst of it. Interesting how Massa detractors are quick to call him out on his crash at Brazil, saying it's evident he's lost it, yet Raikkonen, Grosjean, and even Verstappen who spun unaided CLEARLY telegraphed how terrible conditions were and they ALL lost their cars from out of nowhere due to conditions. Verstappen was merely [get this]… LUCKY AS FUDGE he didn't smack the armco, because as much people sang his praises for "keeping it off the wall" in Brazil 2016, he was just fortunate his car snapped back when and how it did. He was but a mere passenger and was at the mercy of whatever his car did while out of his control and wherever it would come to rest or end the spin. The one thing that wasn't is skill. I found it amusingly funny when Max was describing it as he watched the replay it after the race. The only thing missing was an "I meant to do that". And less we forget, he spun due to a mistake on his part.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p ... t6G3Q#t=42

Yes but you see, F1 demands superstars and legends, and this is too good a story to let the truth get in the way. You know as well as I do that when Max is a 3x WDC this will be played again and again as PROOF of Max's awesome wet driving abilities.