Felipe Massa joins Williams for 2014 Formula 1 season

[Forzi]

Felipe Massa will race for the Williams Formula 1 team next year alongside Valtteri Bottas, the British squad has confirmed.

The announcement also seals Pastor Maldonado's departure, suggesting the ending of the team's sponsorship deal with Venezuelan oil giant PDVSA is now complete even though the team refused to comment on the situation.

Massa became available for 2014 after Ferrari decided to replace him with Kimi Raikkonen, and team principal Frank Williams revealed the Brazilian's experience was a key factor in the decision to sign him on what is described as a "multi-year" deal.

Can Massa thrive at Williams?

"We are delighted to be able to confirm our 2014 driver line-up and welcome Felipe into the Williams family," he said.

"He is an exceptional talent and a real fighter on the race track; he also brings a wealth of experience as we begin a new chapter in our story."

Massa described racing for Williams as a dream and cited the link between the two countries established by the fact that so many Brazilians have raced for it in the past.

The 32-year-old will be the sixth Brazilian to race for the team after Ayrton and Bruno Senna, Nelson Piquet, Rubens Barrichello and Antonio Pizzonia.

"Williams is one of the most successful and important teams of all time in Formula 1," said Massa.

"When I was a kid, I always dreamed about racing for Williams, Ferrari or McLaren and I'm glad to be signing with another icon of the sport following my time at Ferrari.

"It's also nice to remember that some of the best Brazilian drivers raced for Williams and cemented a strong national link with the team.

"With such a major change of regulations in 2014, I hope my experience will be useful in helping the team in its effort to move on from a difficult period.

"Since my early days in motor-racing, I don't remember seeing so many new rules in a single season and I'm fully prepared to work with everyone at Grove to make sure we find the right direction.

"I'm highly-motivated to start working hard from the very beginning in what is an exciting new challenge in my career."

Deputy team principal Claire Williams believes the signing of Massa will be key to re-establishing the team as a regular at the front of the grid.

"Felipe has demonstrated his talent and speed over the years, as well as his ability to help motivate and drive a team to championship success, and we are extremely pleased that he will be joining us as we embark on our 2014 campaign," she said.

"This announcement is a key step towards our goal of returning Williams to the front of the grid, and part of our ongoing plans to ensure we are stronger in 2014 and beyond.

"The stability of having both our drivers on multi-year contracts, Mercedes-Benz as our engine partner and a strong commercial base all contribute to the future success of the Williams F1 team."

Thought this deserves a thread of it's own :-)

[Senna4Ever]

All the best Felipe ...

And I really pray for (and honestly wish you) a race win @WilliamsF1 for you, This would then be an honour which Ayrton wasn't given ...

[racingbradley]

Felipe in F1 next year. I am so chuffed.:dance:dance
Ok he;s not in red but he's still with us. hip hip
All he needs now is Rob and Ross ;-);-);-)

[Hornet]

Good for Massa, I'm glad he is able to stay in F1 as he clearly still have that desire to continue racing. Best wishes to him for his future :thumb

[Nova]

Felipe in F1 next year. I am so chuffed.:dance:dance
Ok he;s not in red but he's still with us. hip hip
All he needs now is Rob and Ross ;-);-);-)

I forgot about Ross...wow, if Ross went to Williams also, that would be a hoot.

[F2008]

Williams made an excellent choice. I hope Felipe is able to shine over there. Also for the first time in years no world champion as a teammate, that should make life easier for him and boost his confidence.

[fratelliferrari]

Congratulations Felipe! Very good news :-D Forza Felipe!

[Alessandra]

Now this will be interesting.

Well done Felipe!

[diego_alunan]

congrats Felipe! I wish you well thank you for the years in ferrari! Good luck with the new team.

[fratelliferrari]

A read a Multi year deal. Anyone has an idea how many years?

[Jas]

Hoping so much Williams have a competitive car, not as much as Ferrari, he obliviates bottas for his confidence and be a true leader....AND ROSS BRAWN AND ROB GO TO WILLIAMS, then I can have two teams to cheer on :-)

[Senna4Ever]

A read a Multi year deal. Anyone has an idea how many years?

for what I've read so far: 2 years: so until the end of 2015


As has been officially confirmed on Monday, the Brazilian goes into the next season to Williams and will go up to 2015 for the British team in Formula 1 at the start.


Source:
http://www.motorsport-total.com --> German

[fratelliferrari]

for what I've read so far: 2 years: so until the end of 2015



Source:

Thank you :thumb

[Alonsomaniac]

Wow! This is G R E A T !
Maybe, just maybe it is even better for Felipe than staying with Ferrari. He has had some real difficult years alongside Fernando, even though they got along well. Maybe now he feels free , he will be the nr 1 at Williams, no doubt and I am sure he will go to work with them with fresh energy, giving his so important input to a team that so desperately needed an experienced communicative driver to find it's way back to the top.
Congrats to Felipe, and I wish him lots and lots of success in blue.
For us, we will be a little busier next year, supporting not two, but three drivers! At least I will!

[Kingdom Hearts]

Congratulations Felipe!.

[stefa]

I am just curios will you all be so delighted next year if he somehow starts to win, and beat FERRARI?

[Rishu]

Congratulations Felipe! Jumping from one legendary team to another :)

[Greig]

I am just curios will you all be so delighted next year if he somehow starts to win, and beat FERRARI?

Who said anything like that?

[Hornet]

I am just curios will you all be so delighted next year if he somehow starts to win, and beat FERRARI?

I'm just happy for him because this is what he wants, to continue racing in F1. As long as he enjoys racing, good for him.

Of course that doesn't mean I want to see Ferrari being beaten by Williams. I still hope Ferrari beats Williams and all the other teams at every single race without exception.:-)

[M.K]

Great news! I hope to see some surprises next year from him.

[racingbradley]

A read a Multi year deal. Anyone has an idea how many years?
Think I read earlier that it's 5 years but now I cannot find the source. :-??
Will post if I can find it
that is if I wasn't dreaming in euphoria :-D

[Alonsomaniac]

Think I read earlier that it's 5 years but now I cannot find the source. :-??
Will post if I can find it
that is if I wasn't dreaming in euphoria :-D

As far as I know it's for two years.

[Forzi]

I am just curios will you all be so delighted next year if he somehow starts to win, and beat FERRARI?

Why not be happy for him in that scenario? Of course it would suck for us and our team, we'd sob and flame for heads to role, but what's stopping anyone here from being happy for Felipe in that scenario?

Not sure what you meant by your question. There's a difference in being happy for him and being happy overall with us being beaten. The answer to the first part is Yes, to the second part it's No. So i'd be happy and not happy i guess :-P

[Alonsomaniac]

I am just curios will you all be so delighted next year if he somehow starts to win, and beat FERRARI?

I don't mind him winning a race as long as Fernando wins the championship.:lol

Both at the same time - in Brazil, wouldn't that be nice?

[Suzie]

Happy enough I guess. I really, really hope it works out for him.
I just hope it's not too many seasons before Ferrari have a driver I really like again.

[Tifoso]

I hope that he comes in 3rd (behind le rosse) every race. :-)

[redsteph]

Great news. I did a little cheer in the car on the way home when i heard it on the news :-D

[AfterLife]

Congratulation to Felipe Massa and to all his fans. ;-)

[mirafiori]

Yes it is good news Massa has got a drive for next year, I hope he does not end up like MS and end up spoiling his career by driving for a team who cant deliver the goods for the driver, Personally I would of liked to have seen him retire as a Ferrari driver, more importantly in good health. Like all Ferrari fans I would love to see Massa win the Brazilian grand Prix:pray. Good luck Felipe the real world champion 2008.:thumb

[Rob]

Wouldnt be surprised with Rob goes aswell.;-)

Good news for Felipe.

[Suzie]

And then once he retires from F1 he can come back home to Ferrari to do something else :-)

[aroutis]

I hope that he comes in 3rd (behind le rosse) every race. :-)
Good enough for me;)

Come 2014 he's gonna be an ex Ferrari driver, good chap but the foe none the less;)

[fratelliferrari]

Good enough for me;)

Come 2014 he's gonna be an ex Ferrari driver, good chap but the foe none the less;)

Not for me, Felipe will always be a Ferrari driver and will never be forgotten by me.

[aroutis]

Not for me, Felipe will always be a Ferrari driver and will never be forgotten by me.

You're entitled to your feelings. However he won't be wearing Ferrari colors and that means I won't be supporting him for the win. Same goes for every driver that left Ferrari and that will.

[Greig]

You're entitled to your feelings. However he won't be wearing Ferrari colors and that means I won't be supporting him for the win. Same goes for every driver that left Ferrari and that will.

Apart from MS you mean?

[ntukza]

Wouldnt be surprised with Rob goes aswell.;-)

Good news for Felipe.

I must have missed something. Why all the talks of Rob leaving? Was there some sort of announcement or signal of intent?

[fratelliferrari]

I must have missed something. Why all the talks of Rob leaving? Was there some sort of announcement or signal of intent?

There were rumours even before Felipe was leaving that Rob would go to Williams and it would be very likely now that these rumours were true :-)

[Samcar222]

Forza Felipe! Great to hear he's with a fantastic team, hopefully he has success in the future! WDC 2008, we'll always love you!

[stefa]

Who said anything like that?

I asked that question, because, as I have said numerous if times here, I am FERRARI supporter, not a driver supporter. They comes and goes. The are great, some of them more than others, but team stays. Just like in every other aspect of life.
Good luck to him, but I really do hope Ferrari is going to be in every race in front of Williams, McLaren, Red Bull or any other team.

[mirafiori]

Now Massa has gone to Williams can someone tell me please what is the situation with Maldonando?

[Alonso14]

Now Massa has gone to Williams can someone tell me please what is the situation with Maldonando?


It's between Lotus, Sauber and FI for him. The Lotus is strongly dependent on whether the Quantum deal goes through (who look like con artists, to be honest) who want the Hulk. If this falls through they'd welcome Maldonado's PDVSA funds.

[Greig]

I asked that question, because, as I have said numerous if times here, I am FERRARI supporter, not a driver supporter. They comes and goes. The are great, some of them more than others, but team stays. Just like in every other aspect of life.
Good luck to him, but I really do hope Ferrari is going to be in every race in front of Williams, McLaren, Red Bull or any other team.

As will any Ferrari fan I guess :-)

[stefa]

As will any Ferrari fan I guess :-)

I suppose they will :-) coz I will for sure, even if I have brother driving for other team I'll support Ferrari first of all!

[Greig]

I suppose they will :-) coz I will for sure, even if I have brother driving for other team I'll support Ferrari first of all!

Just like MS did :-D

[brembo man]

Well he's still racing F1. If Pastor $$$$ goes with Lotus, they may well be a top contender more so than now. They did real good for a team that's spposedly broke.

[Poltergeistes]

yes also rob smedley to williams to be race engineer.

for a team that had a terrible season, in times of short money, williams seems to be getting alot of big names for the coming 2 years.

[Ken]

Happy enough I guess. I really, really hope it works out for him.
I just hope it's not too many seasons before Ferrari have a driver I really like again.

I share the sentiment.

A thought!!!! with the new car rules for 2014, there have been worries over the weight limits which "penalize" the bigger heavier driver. Have Williams got the lightest driver with a lot of experienced ?????? maybe we have lost an asset ??????????????????????????

[Poltergeistes]

I share the sentiment.

A thought!!!! with the new car rules for 2014, there have been worries over the weight limits which "penalize" the bigger heavier driver. Have Williams got the lightest driver with a lot of experienced ?????? maybe we have lost an asset ??????????????????????????


yeah it will have way more changes than the ones made on the cars.

its been a massive relocation of engeneers an aerodynamicists

it seems that lotus wating too much for that deal, their top people might start new team and rebuilt and today i heard from the news here (reliable ones) that there are people coming from lotus FI and even mercedes coming to join. these people are capable to be competitive in the coming seasons.

the money they have, they will be ok for at least some 5 years, as long as they show a strong car within2 or years, then we can have williams back like where it belongs,

[Hornet]

And then once he retires from F1 he can come back home to Ferrari to do something else :-)

Recently he talked about the lack of Brazilian talent for the future in F1. He cares a lot about the racing scene beyond his own career. Perhaps he could get involve in searching for new Brazilian talent for the Ferrari young driver program.

[Giallo 550]

Recently he talked about the lack of Brazilian talent for the future in F1. He cares a lot about the racing scene beyond his own career. Perhaps he could get involve in searching for new Brazilian talent for the Ferrari young driver program.

Wouldn't it be something if we see Felipinho Massa racing for Ferrari 20 years from now? :lol

[Hornet]

Wouldn't it be something if we see Felipinho Massa racing for Ferrari 20 years from now? :lol

That would be awesome, the Massa legacy continues on in a Ferrari :-D

[brembo man]

[QUOTE=Hornet;815141]Recently he talked about the lack of Brazilian talent for the future in F1. He cares a lot about the racing scene beyond his own career. Perhaps he could get involve in searching for new Brazilian talent for the Ferrari young driver program.[/QUO

Massa would have to search for sponsors for the young Brazilian drivers if he want's to see them in F1. look what happened at Maurussia, at the last minute a sponsor pulled out on there already picked Brazilian driver and Bianchi got in.

[Sonic Feathers]

I'm glad he's secured a drive, just not sure of Williams being the best option (from a F1 fans point of view). But I suppose they would have sold him on their intentions to progress up the grid, so he & manager know best what is best for him. Good luck Felipe! ... & don't let them do to you what they did to Rubens. At least with Merc power he should have a competitive car but he'll hopefully always be looking at a gearbox on a red car. :wave

[mirafiori]

It's between Lotus, Sauber and FI for him. The Lotus is strongly dependent on whether the Quantum deal goes through (who look like con artists, to be honest) who want the Hulk. If this falls through they'd welcome Maldonado's PDVSA funds.

Thanks for the info.

[fratelliferrari]

Wouldn't it be something if we see Felipinho Massa racing for Ferrari 20 years from now? :lol

That would be great :-D Felipe has to motivate Felipinho to go racing but Iam sure he will. Fantastic!

[Greig]

Mick Schumacher and Felipinho Massa....sounds good?

[fratelliferrari]

Mick Schumacher and Felipinho Massa....sounds good?

Yes indeed, but Mick is a bit older than Felipinho right?

[aroutis]

Apart from MS you mean?

Nope. I never supported MS to win over Ferrari. I admired MS, yes, I believed (to this day I still do) that he deserved respect for what he accomplished with the rest of the team, but as I said, once he left the team , just like the rest, he's the foe.

Let me be clear, I am a Ferrari fan, not a driver fan._

[Jas]

Felipe Massa: Williams trusts me to lead team forward in F1 2014

By Edd Straw Tuesday, November 12th 2013, 09:07 GMT







Felipe Massa

Felipe Massa's decision to join Williams in 2014 was motivated by a desire to lead a team.

The Brazilian has been Fernando Alonso's number two at Ferrari since 2010, but once the Scuderia signed Kimi Raikkonen in his place Massa was keen to shake off his back-up role.

The 32-year-old has talked of being more relaxed and able to enjoy racing more since the announcement he would leave Ferrari and insists he is highly-motivated to thrive with Williams.

Can Massa thrive at Williams?

"The most important thing is that Williams wants to have me," Massa told AUTOSPORT.

"That's a really good thing, to go to a team that wants to have you to lead so I'm really happy about that.

"I've been really happy with my job in the second part of the season, so I'm really looking forward to having a very good last two races for Ferrari.

"I'm motivated and ready to do a good job with Williams."

EXPERIENCE IMPORTANT FOR 2014 CHANGES

Massa believes his experience from eight seasons with Ferrari will be vital to Williams.

He expects the major rule changes for 2014, including the move to 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engines, will give the team a chance to make a big step forward.

"I think I have a lot to give to Williams as I have a lot of experience from a long time with Ferrari," said Massa.

"I know I can do a lot, especially with the big rule changes that we are going to have.

Felipe Massa

"I'm really happy with my choice and really ready to work as hard as I can to help Williams, also being part of a very important growing up compared to the season they have had."

Massa's Williams deal is described as "multi-year", meaning he will remain with the team until at least the end of 2015.

He believes he still has a long future in Formula 1 and is hoping to establish himself at Williams for the longer term.

"That's what I'm looking for and ready for [a long-term Williams future]," said Massa.

"It's not just a one-year contract, it's more than that so I am very happy and ready to work as hard as I can."

[racingbradley]

Mick Schumacher and Felipinho Massa....sounds good?

Future dream team.
Think I saw a picture of Felipinho practicing at Mugello :-D;-)

[raylinds]

Congratulations Felipe, and good luck. But just good enough for third behind our boys.

[Alonsomaniac]

Congratulations Felipe, and good luck. But just good enough for third behind our boys.

Hm....would indeed be rather painful if he would beat Kimi next year in the championship and finish second behind Fernando.........:lol

[Poltergeistes]

Hm....would indeed be rather painful if he would beat Kimi next year in the championship and finish second behind Fernando.........:lol

i don't think it would come to that :lol

i am trying so hard to stay positive about kimi's arrival, but it's just that "i don't care" attitude that gets to me, i think that's why i loved this pair, fernando and felipe, fernando winning his first race in spain... felipe's podium last season in interlagos.

to me ferrari is about being passionate, like apart from the 07 championship, all the wins kimi had with ferrari, didn't make me feel like when rubens won his first race, in fact i will go further and risk being stoned here, felipe's almost championship in 08 made me feel more proud than kimi's 07 championship win.

he is a very good driver, and i suppose that if we have a good car, he will do very well, and we can win both championships, which is great, but i will be so happy if the driver to win the WDC is fernando, i suppose i am declaring fernando as first driver for next season!

i'm not bashing a ferrari driver just yet, i will be more supportive of kimi next season when he shows up for races, and doesn't leave earlier!

PS i remember that the same day that ferrari announced felipe's departure, you were also sad and posted saying that a passionate and professional driver leaves and you were not sure that another passionate and professional driver arrives. and boy were you right ! :lol

[demon2424]

All the best felipe!!!

[Alonsomaniac]

i don't think it would come to that :lol

i am trying so hard to stay positive about kimi's arrival, but it's just that "i don't care" attitude that gets to me, i think that's why i loved this pair, fernando and felipe, fernando winning his first race in spain... felipe's podium last season in interlagos.

to me ferrari is about being passionate, like apart from the 07 championship, all the wins kimi had with ferrari, didn't make me feel like when rubens won his first race, in fact i will go further and risk being stoned here, felipe's almost championship in 08 made me feel more proud than kimi's 07 championship win.

he is a very good driver, and i suppose that if we have a good car, he will do very well, and we can win both championships, which is great, but i will be so happy if the driver to win the WDC is fernando, i suppose i am declaring fernando as first driver for next season!

i'm not bashing a ferrari driver just yet, i will be more supportive of kimi next season when he shows up for races, and doesn't leave earlier!

PS i remember that the same day that ferrari announced felipe's departure, you were also sad and posted saying that a passionate and professional driver leaves and you were not sure that another passionate and professional driver arrives. and boy were you right ! :lol

I have the same worries as you do. Kimi is without a doubt a very fast driver - but to me Raikkonen in a Ferrari is about the same as Alonso in a McLaren: it can be fast but it just doesn't fit as it should ....

[Poltergeistes]

I have the same worries as you do. Kimi is without a doubt a very fast driver - but to me Raikkonen in a Ferrari is about the same as Alonso in a McLaren: it can be fast but it just doesn't fit as it should ....


i would go further, at least fernando cared, he showed emotion, you knew that he "wanted" it, but kimi...

i mean unless he has changed completely from that driver that we had years ago... one can always hope.

i'm not saying i expect or wish he would be hot headed as fernando and felipe, but please, this time around, don't treat ferrari as "just another team on the grid"

PS that interview he gave to speedtv special "always ferrari" just completely killed it for me, i cant get over it, even after years...

[Nova]

Everyone goes on so about the drivers...Kimi is a Ferrari WDC..That should do it. No one here knows the guy, so all of your comments are nothing more than your opinions.
As for me, he won races in a Red, what I expect the drivers to do..he became WDC in a Red, what I want all Red drivers to do, so I dont give a hoot how he does this or that, how he feels about Ferrari or anything else, whether its just another team to him or not, I dont care..just drive the kahones off the car.

Now I may take flak, but I like Felipe, then again, another Red driver, he's won races, and almost lost his life in a Red, so I have to give a shout out to the guy.
I cant say I hope he does (too) well in a Williams, it aint red, but I do hope he helps pull them out of the quagmire theyre in and helps reestablish Williams as a frontrunner. They are basically a pretty historic team themselfs.

[brembo man]

I rate Kimi as a top driver, even better than Luis for now. We got him, it's a good deal. Behind the wheel he's the real deal and has proved it. Again I feel when any driver steps out of the car after a race there on there own. If they won the race or are on the podium there celebrities for that moment. If there not into that, I personally admire them more . Kimi shuts up and disappears. Vettel for Ex. gives the world the finger, #1 As long as Kimi starts and finishes every race with Ferrari with only winningin mind, he's ok with me. Also if he want's his car just right for him every race, it means he gives a .... ! Just think about how well respected and treated Rubens was with his knowledge and input on car setup etc. especially when with Williams. I wouldn't wish it on a dog.

[wisepie]

Happy enough I guess. I really, really hope it works out for him.
I just hope it's not too many seasons before Ferrari have a driver I really like again.

Same here, Suzie, so pleased he's got a drive and it'll be hard to support a Williams-Merc, but I pray that Felipe gets the results he deserves and I'll support him whatever. I'd have preferred Sauber for him to keep the Ferrari connection, and maybe there's a chance that the Felipe & Rob show can continue if Rob goes there too.....fingers crossed.

[F1NAC]

"They also have the Mercedes engine which I am very happy with, as people are talking very well about Mercedes engines next year.


Felipe go home please(I mean to Williams)

[Forzi]

Felipe go home please(I mean to Williams)

Really? :roll I mean isn't it true? Of all the engines, most good talks were about Merc with absolutely non about our or anything much about the Renault.

[Alonsomaniac]

Felipe go home please(I mean to Williams)

? What do you mean by that? Felipe is and always be a true friend of Ferrari and Maranello will always be a home to him.