Massa hits back at ’exaggerated’ claims

Felipe Massa has hit back at claims he spoiled Williams’ shot at victory at the British grand prix.

Some believe that if teammate Valtteri Bottas had passed the Brazilian rather than been told to hold station after their meteoric starts, the Finn might have charged away from the two Mercedes at Silverstone.

"I think I could have opened a gap," Bottas is quoted by Brazil’s UOL Esporte.

"When Felipe stopped, I was a second faster. I had a lot of pace in the first stint. It’s always easy to talk afterwards," he acknowledged, "but I think it could have been better for me."

But when asked about Bottas’ claims, Massa responded: "That’s exaggerated.

"If he was so much faster, he would have passed me. But he tried and failed."