Retiring Massa in line for role with the FIA

Felipe Massa is set to retain some connection with Formula 1 next season as he expected to become Brazil's representative on the World Sport Council.

After a false alarm last season, Massa will retire following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend but is looking to get back into racing competitively again in the near future with Formula E of interest.

However, Massa has always been passionate about Brazil's role and future in Formula 1 and has expressed an interest in representing his country.

"Normally the (federation) president nominates himself to be part of the World Council," Bernardo told Globo.

"But I understand that Felipe Massa might be more useful than I am at the FIA.

"I invited him and on Tuesday, and before going to Europe he called me to say he had talked to his father, his friends, and understood that he could do something more for the sport."

The future of the Brazilian Grand Prix is under threat due to increasing concerns over safety following a string of armed robberies that target Formula 1 personnel leaving the paddock.

There is also a lack of interest in new races promoters stepping forward to continue with the running of the Brazilian Grand Prix once the current contract expires in 2020.