All the emotion around Felipe Massa's Formula One retirement may have been for nothing with the Brazilian reportedly convinced to remain on the circuit for another season so that former teammate Valtteri Bottas can move to Mercedes.
Reports out of the UK suggest the deal - that will see Massa stay with Williams for at least another year, opening the door for former understudy Bottas to make the switch to Mercedes - is close to completion.
Massa announced his retirement in September but crashed out in his final race at the Brazilian Grand Prix last month.
The developments come after Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg announced his retirement shortly after claiming his first ever Formula One Championship leaving Lewis Hamilton without a teammate.
The deal won't likely occur until the New Year but it's reported that Williams approached Massa after it became clear that Bottas was Mercedes' number one choice to replace Rosberg and that Williams would benefit if Bottas did go to Mercedes.
With Williams' title sponsor Martini requiring at least one driver over 25 for promotional reasons, the team need Massa to pair up with the 18-year-old Canadian Lance Stroll who is bringing a sponsorship said to be in the region of NZ$35.6 million to the team.
Newshub.
