Felipe Massa says Williams staff “who know about motor-racing” want him to extend his stay with the team into 2018.
Massa, who joined Williams for the 2014 campaign, bowed out of Formula 1 at the end of 2016, only to be drawn out of retirement when Valtteri Bottas moved to Mercedes, as a replacement for Nico Rosberg.
Lance Stroll is expected to remain with Williams for 2018, but the identity of his team-mate has yet to be determined, with several drivers, including Massa, in contention for the seat.
Massa insists he is “totally motivated” to continue for another year, but inferred that factions outside of the race team could be swayed to go in a different direction.
“They know me pretty well so they know what I can give to the team," Massa is quoted by Sky Sports F1. "Also we have some other names.
“I'm sure I have most of the team on my side, especially the engineers and people who know about motor-racing, but at the end of the day you have some other things around that it's maybe not the talent that decides.
“I'm quite relaxed. I know what I can give and I'm totally motivated to carry on another year.
“If I'm here next year I will do my best to give the best to the team but, if not, then I'm relaxed to find a different way of my life.
“I will not wait until December but I don't put a timeline but I hope it will be in the next weeks.
“I don't want to arrive at the last two races not knowing about my future.”
Massa holds 11th spot in this year’s standings, having amassed 31 points.
