Massa hopes to hang around the F1 paddock in 2017

Felipe Massa looked at IndyCar but he is scared

Felipe Massa is planning to return to the Formula 1 paddock in 2017 but only if it involves some kind of work, possibly with a television company or with sponsors.

The Williams Martini Racing driver is heading into his final four races of his Formula 1 career before heading into the retirement he announced ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, but Massa does not feel he would enjoy returning to the paddock if he did not have things to do.

Massa is hopeful to attend some races next season with a role in place, although he has yet to commit to where his future lies, with the Brazilian being linked to drives in the World Endurance Championship, Formula E and IndyCar.

"I think I will come to some races with some work with some companies using my image," said Massa on crash.net. "If I do some television it will be maybe five races during the season, not really a proper job.

"I have so many things that I'm working with, I'm still planning to come to maybe five or six races during the season and be part of this that I enjoy. For sure it will be a different feeling when you arrive not as a driver and doing different things, but I think there's a lot to do and I'm ready for this.

"I'm not so sure you can really enjoy the paddock, I think you need to have some things to do. Just coming here to watching I don't think that's enjoyment for me.

"I think I'm planning to come and to do some work, and be linked with some sponsors or some companies that I can help, talking with the fans, with the people, clients, so you need to have a job."