Felipe Massa was happy to finish fifth in the Australian Grand Prix, feeling the result is a good start to the 2016 Formula 1 season for the Williams Martini Racing team.
The veteran Brazilian was able to make the most of the red flag period to switch tyres and be able to jump ahead of both of the Scuderia Toro Rosso drivers who gambled on an alternative strategy that ultimately was the incorrect way to go.
Massa was also happy that team-mate Valtteri Bottas was able to finish eighth for more points for the team, especially after the Finn’s difficult weekend where qualifying did not go his way and after he received a penalty for a gearbox change.
“It was a good race,” reflected Massa. “To finish fifth, scoring some good points, is definitely a good start to the season.
“The red flag in the middle helped us to keep our strategy to one-stop and, thanks to that, we managed to overtake both Toro Rossos who had decided to go for different tyres.
“That’s why I am happy with the result – and for Valtteri as well, he started P16 and finished P8, so it was a great drive for him.”
