WATCH: Felipe Massa on retirement, Williams return and F1 2017 hopes
Wednesday 18 January 2017 17:47, UK
Felipe Massa says his retirement was "just perfect" but the opportunity to return to Formula 1 with Williams was too good to turn down.
The Brazilian was given an emotional and spectacular send off at the end of last season, but has agreed to extend his career into a 16th year after Valtteri Bottas left Williams for Mercedes.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ's Rachel Brookes, Massa claims he first heard from deputy team principal Claire Williams after Christmas and was told of his former team's "need" for an experienced driver to partner teenage rookie Lance Stroll.
Massa was then encouraged by the team's aspirations for the season and insists he's now "really motivated" for his F1 comeback.
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"It was very difficult for me to say no to keep working for a team that I love to be part of," he said. "It definitely was a little bit strange for me because I had amazing retirement feelings in the last two races. Everything was just perfect so it is difficult to just go back.
"But I think everybody understands that's what I love to do. I was going to keep racing in another category but I'm ready and motivated."
Watch the full interview by clicking the play button on the video above.
