Massa: Shame F1 talent doesn’t count compared to other things…

Felipe Massa says Williams needs to pick “a good driver” as his replacement and laments key factors being held higher than pure racing talent in Formula 1.

The Brazilian driver is enjoying his farewell to F1 with his last race for Williams before retiring from the sport at the end of the season. Massa produced another impressive display in qualifying to jump into Q3 with his final flying lap in the second session to sneak in front of Fernando Alonso in the McLaren. Massa has qualified 10th for his final F1 race just behind the Force India pair of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon.

With a solid points finish his target for a final flourish in Abu Dhabi, Massa hopes Williams selects a strong driver for 2018 alongside Lance Stroll – but laments Williams selecting its driver line-up not purely on racing ability.

“I am sure they need to have a good driver to replace me otherwise it will not be very great,” Massa said. “If the team cannot see that what can I do… sometimes the talent doesn’t count compared to some other things.

“That is the way it is sometimes. Unfortunately, it can be a shame in Formula 1. Not at all of the teams.”

Robert Kubica remains the front-runner to replace Massa at Williams for F1 team ahead of his Abu Dhabi test for the British squad next week at the Yas Marina circuit. Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin is also on testing duties for Williams in Abu Dhabi while fellow countryman Daniil Kvyat, Sauber’s Pascal Wehrlein and Williams reserve driver Paul di Resta remain on the shortlist of candidates.