By alley - Dec 20, 2016, 2:24 PM ET

F1: Williams closing in on Massa deal

One of the most surprising retirements in Formula 1 history could lead to another driver securing a record for F1's shortest retirement ever: RACER understands Williams has offered Felipe Massa a one-year deal return to the team in 2017, pending the anticipated departure of Valtteri Bottas from that team to Mercedes.

Massa, 35, called time on his F1 career after his 250th start at the Abu Dhabi finale. But five days later, Nico Rosberg announced his own retirement, prompting a wide-ranging search by his Mercedes team to replace the newly crowned world champion. Mercedes quickly appeared to settle on Bottas as its top choice and, while its first offer to Williams for his services was rejected,

team principal Claire Williams admitted last week that the squad might be persuaded to part with the Finn

if a suitably experienced veteran like Massa came available. The need for an experienced hand goes beyond the presence of rookie Lance Stroll in the other Williams entry, since title sponsor Martini is believed to be unwilling to have two drivers under the age of 25 in its cars.

Neither the Bottas nor Massa deals are believed to have been finalized and are not expected to be confirmed before the new year; however, reports emanating from the Brazil claim that Massa has agreed in principle to a one-year contract offer from Williams worth just over $6m.

If the anticipated deals go through, they will be the latest moves in a complex post-season dance between the works Mercedes team and Williams, which has a customer engine deal with the manufacturer. Earlier today,

Williams confirmed that Pat Symonds was stepping aside as its chief technical officer

, which would appear to clear the way for the rumored move of Paddy Lowe – currently Mercedes' executive director (technical) – back to Williams, with whom he began his F1 career.