The Brazilian has resurrected his career with two strong seasons at Williams, but is likely to face competition for the drive for 2017.

But although accepting there are no guarantees about what will happen, he has made it clear that remaining at Williams would be a great option for him.

“I am happy to work with this amazing team and I guess they are happy to work with me,” explained Massa. “But we need to wait next year on how it is going to be, and what I decide is the next step.

“If I stay with Williams, which is a fantastic team, or if I go to another team, or stop? I don't know. When you don't have the picture in front of you, it is hard to answer. But for sure I want to carry on.”

Rules shake up

Massa's determination to stay with Williams also comes amid the prospect of a rules shake-up for 2017 that could mix things up at the front of the grid.

“If one team invests something, or does a better job than the others, they will be a lot quicker and a lot of stronger,” he said. “But also it could maybe compact the grid.

“But for sure there needs to be a big change, even in the engine, to make things a bit easier for everyone.”

Additional reporting by Valentin Khorounzhiy