Williams, Massa remain on good terms regardless of future – Lowe

Williams boss Paddy Lowe says the team and Felipe Massa will always have a positive relationship regardless of his future in Formula 1, as speculation around the squad’s 2018 driver line-up continues.

With the bulk of teams have locked down plans on driver line-ups for next season, while Toro Rosso and Sauber edge closer to confirming theirs, Williams appears to have an open battle for its race seat alongside Lance Stroll for 2018.

Felipe Massa is among a shortlist which also includes Robert Kubica, Pau di Resta, Pascal Wehrlein and Daniil Kvyat for arguably the most prized spot left on next year’s F1 grid. Massa is eager to get his future confirmed by his home race in Brazil, in one week’s time, but Lowe has played down suggestions any decision will be made until the end of the current season.

While Lowe accepts the current relationship between Massa and Williams is under stress he is confident the pair will be on good terms irrespective of what happens in 2018.

“Relationships between teams and drivers around renewals is always tense but most of us when we go to apply for a job it is done in private but in F1 it is a very public affair,” Lowe said. “That does make it more awkward than we would like.

“Felipe is a great guy and has a great relationship with Williams with respect on both sides. I think whatever we conclude together I think we will remain on good terms.”