Massa tips former Williams F1 team-mate Bottas for 'great future'

The Brazilian, who completed his 250th and final grand prix in Abu Dhabi last month, has raced alongside Bottas for the last three F1 seasons.

Bottas came out on top in each of those campaigns, scoring nine podiums in that period but failing to secure his first grand prix victory.

Massa believes Bottas can end that run, provided he gets his hands on a car that is capable of showcasing his talents, with the Finn now emerging as a Mercedes target to replace Nico Rosberg.

"He's very good and he's a very good team-mate," Massa told Autosport.

"He's quick, he's consistent so definitely I'm sure he will have a great future in Formula 1.

"But he needs to have a good, competitive car to show the level he is."

Massa said Bottas has evolved in a stronger, more rounded driver during their partnership, which followed the Finn's rookie campaign in 2013.

"He's very calm, he's very competitive and he has grown a lot since he started," said Massa.

"He has a lot more experience now so he understands a lot more about the car and the technical side."

On his replacement Lance Stroll, Massa said he hopes the Canadian rookie - who he met during his time at Ferrari - can grasp the opportunity and make a success of it.

"I've known Lance since he was a kid," he said.

"I saw him in some races when I was in Ferrari, his father [was] a very important Ferrari client so I really hope the best for him.

"I never saw him racing but I think he grew up a lot, he has learned a lot and I really hope my place goes to a competitive driver.

"He's shown some good performance. He has had some good opportunities from his dad to be here but he's arriving with a title in his hand and that's important.

"Now it's just up to him - everything that's going to happen to him for his future, his career, is just up to his talent and what he delivers on track."