Felipe Massa’s Formula One career will continue in 2014 with the Brazilian confirmed alongside Valtteri Bottas at Williams.
The announcement means Pastor Maldonado’s departure and most certainly the end of the team’s sponsorship deal with Venezuelan oil giant PDVSA.
Maldonado is the only Williams driver to take a race victory since 2004 after winning the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix.
Team Principal Frank Williams said the Brazilian’s experience was a key in singing him to a “multi-year” deal.
“We are delighted to be able to confirm our 2014 driver line-up and welcome Felipe into the Williams family,” he said.
“He is an exceptional talent and a real fighter on the race track; he also brings a wealth of experience as we begin a new chapter in our story.”
The 32-year-old Massa will be the sixth Brazilian to race for the team after 1987 World Champion with Williams Nelson Piquet, plus Ayrton and Bruno Senna, Rubens Barrichello and Antonio Pizzonia.
“Williams is one of the most successful and important teams of all time in Formula 1,” said Massa.
“When I was a kid, I always dreamed about racing for Williams, Ferrari or McLaren and I’m glad to be signing with another icon of the sport following my time at Ferrari.
“It’s also nice to remember that some of the best Brazilian drivers raced for Williams and cemented a strong national link with the team.
“With such a major change of regulations in 2014, I hope my experience will be useful in helping the team in its effort to move on from a difficult period.
“Since my early days in motor-racing, I don’t remember seeing so many new rules in a single season and I’m fully prepared to work with everyone at Grove to make sure we find the right direction.
“I’m highly-motivated to start working hard from the very beginning in what is an exciting new challenge in my career.”
Deputy team principal Claire Williams said Massa, who has been with Ferrari since 2006, is a key to re-establishing the team as a front runner in F1.
“This announcement is a key step towards our goal of returning Williams to the front of the grid, and part of our ongoing plans to ensure we are stronger in 2014 and beyond,” Claire Williams.
“The stability of having both our drivers on multi-year contracts, Mercedes-Benz as our engine partner and a strong commercial base all contribute to the future success of the Williams F1 team.”
