Massa will replace Bottas who left for Mercedes

A few hours after the announcement of Pascal Wehrlein at Sauber, Williams Racing has confirmed the information anticipated for several weeks. Valtteri Bottas will leave the Grove stable to replace Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, while Felipe Massa will make his return to the team alongside the rookie Lance stroll although he had planned to retire.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to come back to race with Williams, commented Felipe Massa who will play his 4th season in a row with this team. I always wanted to race somewhere in 2017, but Williams is a team that I hold in my heart and I have great respect for everything they are trying to achieve. Valtteri has had a great opportunity with the events of this winter and I wish him the best at Mercedes. »

“I felt when I got the offer to help Williams with their 2017 season that it was the right thing to do, specified Felipe Massa who only signed a one-season contract with Williams. I have clearly not lost my enthusiasm for racing and I am very motivated to drive the FW40. I’m also looking forward to working with Lance. I have known him for many years and have seen him develop over that time. I can't wait to see what we can accomplish together. »

“I am delighted that Felipe has agreed to come out of retirement, declared Claire Williams, Team Principal of the team of the same name. We have worked hard to ensure that Valtteri does not miss the opportunity to join the reigning world champion manufacturer. Valtteri joined the Williams family in 2010 and has since proven that he has great talent, notably scoring 9 podiums. »

The grid for the 2017 season is now provisionally completed, Manor Racing being placed into administration.