Massa wants to feel 'important' to Williams

Cape Town - Felipe Massa feels Williams need to show that they want him for what he can "contribute" on the race track, not just as a mentor to Lance Stroll or to suit the sponsors.

Having been called out of his brief retirement to replace Valtteri Bottas in this year's championship, Massa is now keen to remain in Formula 1 next season. 

The Brazilian, though, is by no means guaranteed a new deal with several drivers - including Fernando Alonso - linked to his seat. 

The one thing Massa does have in his favour over some of the youngsters is his age as main sponsor Martini requires at least one of the teams drivers to be over the age of 25. 

Massa, though, says that is not a reason for him to re-sign. 

"We are talking with Williams," he told the official F1 website. 

"I need to have something that I want to do for myself. 

"I want to feel that I can be important for the team – to contribute. And if that is not possible then I would prefer to do other things." 

He added: "I definitely don’t want to stay in the team just because it fits certain sponsors.

"I want to be able to contribute and want to achieve things for myself. That is what is important for me."