Williams, Smedley: “I couldn't advise Massa differently”

In an interview given to some English media, Rob Smedley spoke again about Felipe Massa's retirement, underlining how the team had no influence on the Brazilian driver's final decision. Smedley has followed Felipe since his time at Ferrari and between the two, in addition to the classic professional relationship, there is a friendship created over the last few years. The English engineer spoke precisely about this, explaining that seeing him in a second-tier team would not have been gratifying both for him and for the world of F1 in general.

Here are the words of Rob Smedley: “I found out about the retirement this summer and even though the decision hadn't been made officially, I knew that changing Felipe's mind would be impossible. I didn't want to recommend it differently because a rider must feel certain sensations. Ultimately I'm happy with this choice because I wouldn't have liked seeing him take to the track with a second-tier team. We will miss him in the paddock, but he will be able to concentrate on his family and I am really happy for him."

On his future at Williams he added: “My career in Formula One is not linked to that of Felipe, but I have been in this field for twenty years and the many trips are starting to take their toll. For now I'm fine at Williams, but in a couple of seasons I think I'll slow down. We are not robots and my career in F1 has given me many emotions. Another couple of years and I'll be satisfied."

Roberto Valenti