JUNE 6, 2016

Massa, Button, McLaren unfazed by rumours

Felipe Massa says he is unfazed by speculation Jenson Button could replace him at Williams next year.

Button, now 36, made his F1 debut as a teenager in 2000 and now rumours suggest he could end his career at the Grove team, replacing Massa from 2017.

But the Briton, who currently drives for McLaren-Honda, is not commenting.

"I haven't even thought about the next race in Canada, let alone the next year," Speed Week quoted him as saying recently.

As for Massa, the 35-year-old - who in turn is being linked with a move to Renault - said the Button rumours are not bothering him.

"We all know about rumours in formula one, and I am zero scared and worried about anything," he is quoted by Britain's Express newspaper.

"It would be nice to stay, but it would be nice to stay in a team where you really see that you can do a good job and have a good future. I am ready for everything," added Massa.

It is believed, however, that McLaren's decision to replace Button with Belgian hotshoe Stoffel Vandoorne has essentially already been taken.

But boss Eric Boullier denies that.

"No, we have not started negotiatings with any driver," he is quoted by Speed Week. "It is still far too early for this question, which would be a distraction for the team."

(GMM)