Felipe Massa Just Announced His F1 Retirement

The 2017 driver market has properly kicked off with the announcement today that Felipe Massa will retire from Formula 1 at the end of this year.

“Felipe Baby” Massa is currently in his 14th F1 season, driving for the Williams team after stints at Sauber and Ferrari. The Brazilian has won 11 races in his F1 career, scored 41 podiums and will compete in his 250th and final race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this November.

His most famous achievement, though, was his world title near-miss in 2008. Massa won the last race in Brazil and for a few seconds looked set to be crowned the drivers’ champion.

However, Lewis Hamilton overtook a slow Timo Glock on the last lap of the race to just snatch away the title. But despite the defeat, Massa handled the result incredibly well and has since become one of the most popular drivers in the paddock.

The press conference at the Monza circuit was an emotional one. After 14 seasons, Massa confirmed 2016 will be his last.

Massa made his debut in F1 with Sauber in 2002, before spending a year as a Ferrari test driver. He returned with Sauber before being confirmed alongside Michael Schumacher at Ferrari for 2006.

He then partnered Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari before the Finn was replaced by Fernando Alonso. After the 2013 season Massa moved across to Williams and has scored five podiums for the team so far.

There has been no confirmation of his replacement, but Jenson Button, Sergio Perez and Felipe Nasr have recently been linked to a move to Williams.

Commenting on his retirement, Massa said:

“I must start by especially thanking my wife and my father, my whole family, my manager Nicolas and all the people who have supported me throughout my career. Thank you to God for giving me the opportunities I have had in life and, above all, for protecting me. A huge thank you as well to everyone I have worked with over the years. Every team I have been a part of has been a special experience, and not only in Formula 1.

“I have so many great memories over the years and thank everyone in all the teams I have come through to help me get to where I am today. My career has been more than I ever expected and I am proud of what I have achieved. Finally, it is a great honour to finish my career at such an amazing team as Williams Martini Racing. It will be an emotional day when I finally conclude my Formula 1 career with my 250th Grand Prix start in Abu Dhabi.”

Thanks for all the good times, Felipe!