Felipe Massa has admitted that his relationship with current engine supplier Mercedes could be the key to his future beyond Formula 1.

The Brazilian is retiring from F1 but has targeted DTM, WEC or Formula E as potential alternative series for 2017.

Now, it has emerged that Mercedes have taken up an option to potentially join the all-electric single seater series Formula E from 2018.

"Electrification will play a major role in the future of the automotive industry," Toto Wolff said. "This will make Formula E very relevant in the future."

Massa's relationship with Mercedes, who supply engines to Williams, could also be helpful for the 35-year-old's potential talks to enter the German touring car series DTM.

"I think a lot of my relationships can be important for my future," he admitted to Brazil's UOL Esporte. "But to tell you the truth, nothing has been decided.

"Things are starting to be discussed now."

However, Massa said that he is in no rush to decide.

"I want to be sure what I am doing," the former Ferrari and Sauber driver explained.

"First, my future is not just racing, there are other things to think about as well - work using my image and perhaps coming to some Formula 1 races as well.

"Of course I want to race too because it's what I like to do, but there are lot of things to think about as well."

The 2016 championship continues on Sunday with the Japanese Grand Prix.