F1 could very well see the best of Felipe Massa this year once he’s settled in at Williams, according to former race engineer Rob Smedley.
The British engineer, who worked with the Brazilian at Ferrari before both moved to Williams for the 2014 season, reckons the freedom Massa can now enjoy will – and already has – brought out the best in the 33-year-old.
“I know Felipe Massa very well – I know him inside out,” Smedley told Autosport.
“He’s a very, very good driver and he’s been given the freedom of head-space here to do what he’s paid to do, and he’s delivering.
“I see Felipe now very relaxed, incredibly experienced, there’s a maturity about him and he carries that very well.”
Smedley believes the experience Massa gained during his eight years at Ferrari puts him in good stead to lead Williams this year.
“He understands that the job he has to do here is not just about driving the car, it’s about driving the people as well,” he added.
“He knows how to do that. He’s had some very good teachers in that area – I would cite Michael Schumacher as one – and now his time has come [to lead]. He’s picked up the baton very well.”
