F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Felipe Massa will live his life after F1 with no regrets

Felipe Massa has closed the chapter on his career in Formula 1 and heads to a new life without a negative thought in his mind.

After fifteen years at the pinnacle of motorsport, and a 269-race run, the 36-year-old Brazilian called it a day. And there will be no revolving door change of heart like the one which last year enticed him to extend his stay at Williams after initially deciding to retire.

A true gentleman, considered by all as one of the sport's 'good guys', Massa has not a single regret to express about his exemplary career, not even when asked about the day he came within one corner of clinching the world championship, at Interlagos in 2008.

"In 2008 what helped me through the disappointment was that I won the final race so I couldn’t do anything better than that" he reflected.

"It was not related to me, it was also related to who was in the front of the championship but was behind in the race, so that helped me also to be natural for the people and pass on my feelings.

"I am proud with everything that I’ve achieved."

Another painful moment was his freak accident at the Hungaroring in 2009, when a suspension ring from another car broke free and flew straight into his helmet, fracturing his skull and almost taking out his left eye.

"I think as a driver I didn’t change [after the accident]," he says.

"What changed was that I respected a lot more life than before. I mean before you have a big accident you always think it will never happen to you.

"When you have a big accident and a moment where you understand life can change like that you respect life a lot more.

"I love my life now a lot more and I respect others more than how it was before."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

12 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

14 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

15 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

17 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

18 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

19 hours ago