Retiring Williams F1 driver Felipe Massa in running for FIA role

The Williams driver, a veteran of 268 grand prix starts, will leave F1 at the end of the season but expects to continue racing in other series.

Massa is also believed to have spoken to FIA president Jean Todt about using his expertise to assist the governing body.

Speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi, Todt said he would be interested in working with Massa in the future and is considering how he can integrate the Brazilian.

"Brazil have applied to be a member of the World [Motor Sport] Council and their candidate is Felipe Massa," said Todt.

"So it will be up to the General Assembly [which meets next month].

"I may have some other ideas for him. I still have 10 days to see if he's interested.

"I take my hat off to Felipe. Incidentally, it was my son's birthday last week. Felipe is like my second son, he's a great boy.

"He's stepping away from F1. It's sad to step out.

"He's still very motivated to race so I'm sure he'll find some good way of still racing. If he can bring some contribution to motorsport, he would be a great asset."

It is understood one role that is being considered for Massa is a driver ambassador-type role, utilising his extensive and current experience in F1.

Massa told Autosport he is keen to discuss potential opportunities with Todt as he shapes his future plans beyond F1.

"I have some ideas of what I will do," he said.

"I will do some other stuff, maybe coming to a few races to do some different jobs and trying to use my experience.

"Maybe I can be getting a bit closer to the FIA. [An FIA role] would interest me.

"My experience definitely helps, not only by being a person who knows about motorsport, but also by being a driver who has raced for very long, from go-karts up to F1.

"We [he and the FIA] should have some meetings, some ideas and then we'll see what is going to happen."