Massa keeps quiet on Stroll mentor claims

Massa keeps quiet on Stroll mentor claims

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Sunday 4 February 2018 16:57

Felipe Massa has chosen to take a diplomatic stance against claims from 2017 team-mate Lance Stroll that the Brazilian had not offered 'any guidance whatsoever' as the Canadian rookie set out on his rookie Formula 1 season.

Massa and Stroll were paired together for Williams in 2017 and, prior to the season commencing, Stroll has been enthusiastic about working with Massa, who featured in 249 Grands Prix before his retirement at the end of the season.

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However, in a recent interview with Autosport.com, Stroll appeared disappointed with the relationship they endured stating: "He was a team-mate like any other. He was busy trying to drive as fast as he could, and I was trying to drive as fast as I could. That was it. There was nothing more to it than that.

"I don't know why people seem to think there was a coach or a mentor thing going on. There wasn't; it was just him doing his job and me doing mine, and whoever did it better finished ahead.

"Whether my team-mate is someone with 15 years' experience or someone of one year's experience, my approach doesn't change."

Massa took to his Twitter account but rather than responding directly, chose to remain silent on Stroll's words, saying simply: