Massa: 'Too early to say where I'll be racing next'

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Felipe Massa heads to Brazil with two certainties: that next weekend will be his last home race in F1, and that he'll still be racing somewhere next year.

For the second but final time, the Williams driver announced his retirement from the sport, and emotions will once again be running high at Interlagos on Sunday.

"Part of me wanted to carry on because I think I’m still competitive enough to race a top-line Formula 1 car, and also because I feel very good at Williams," he wrote in his Motorsport.com column.

"But every story has to come to an end at some point, and on my part I have no regrets.

"Exactly a year ago I lived the same situation, and then suddenly the team asked me to come back.

The F1 community pays tribute to Felipe Massa

"For me, it was a real privilege to do so and something I appreciated a lot, and a year later I am ready to follow a different path – happy with what I have done and what we have achieved this season."

The 36-year-old has yet to plan his future, but there are no doubts it will involve racing. In the interim, he has an F1 season to cap off.

"There are those who will be curious to know where I will be racing next year, but it is too early to declare now," he added.

"For now my focus is on finishing the season. I have two more Grands Prix to do, which will be important for me and the team, and then you will see.

"I will consider all the possibilities that I have been offered, and then decide without hesitation nor with the stress of being on track at all costs. I like to race, I feel competitive, and that’s what I want to do.

"I would like to accept a new challenge, as long as it is a professional role and with good prospects to deliver strong results.

"While I enjoy racing, I want to keep doing it – and keep getting the pleasure that I have always had throughout my career."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.