Felipe Massa says he “couldn’t refuse” Williams’ offer to continue racing for the team this season, despite having announced his retirement from Formula 1 last September.
Massa made an emotional speech during the Italian Grand Prix weekend to confirm that he would exit the sport at the end of the year, and bowed out after his 250th start in Abu Dhabi.
However, Nico Rosberg announced his retirement as World Champion just five days after clinching the title, sparking a chain-reaction, with Valtteri Bottas installed as favourite for the vacancy at Mercedes.
With Bottas departing for Mercedes, Williams required an experienced driver to place alongside 18-year-old rookie Lance Stroll, and began discussing terms with Massa.
The Brazilian ultimately agreed a new one-year deal to remain with Williams, with the news formally confirmed on Monday.
“I think what happened at the end of last season with Nico’s unexpected retirement sparked a unique turn of events,” Massa explained.
“Valtteri has been offered a fantastic opportunity and, as a result, an opportunity arose for me.
“When the media began reporting that I might return, I was touched by the response from so many fans who wanted to see me back in the sport.
“That was certainly a factor in the decision, so I’d like to thank the fans for their support. But, at the end of the day, when I received the call it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. It was Williams!”
Massa, who joined Williams in 2014 after a decade-long association with Ferrari, said coming out of his short-lived retirement felt “right.”
“My intention was always to race somewhere, as I still have the passion for racing and competing,” he said.
“I also have a strong love for Williams as I have enjoyed the last three years with the team, and therefore coming back to help give stability and experience to drive things forward in 2017 was something that felt right to do.”
Massa classified 11th in last season’s championship, with a best of fifth in Australia and Russia.
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