Ferrari has sent a message to wish its former driver Felipe Massa all the best in his future endeavours, as the Brazilian prepares to bring the curtain down on his Formula One career after 15 seasons in the top flight.
The Williams driver will make his 250th and final start at this Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After an up-and-down rookie campaign at Sauber in 2002, Massa stepped down to a test role with Ferrari the following year.
The Sao Paulo-born racer returned to Hinwill for a pair of seasons before being promoted alongside Michael Schumacher at the Scuderia in 2006, which kicked off Massa’s most successful period in his career.
“The whole of Ferrari sends its greetings to Felipe Massa on his last competitive weekend of Formula 1,” the revered Italian team wrote on its official website.
“Felipe has been connected to the Scuderia for over 10 years including eight as a race driver featuring 11 wins, 15 pole positions, 36 podiums and very nearly the world title in 2008.
“His competitive qualities and great passion have made him one of the Scuderia drivers most loved by fans around the world.
“We send a big thanks to you Felipe for these wonderful years together, for the generosity that has always marked you on track and off, and for how you have successfully combined humanity and professionalism in a complex environment such as Formula 1.
“Obrigado Felipe, good luck for your future projects and a big hug to you and your wonderful family from all of us at Ferrari.”
Massa left Ferrari at the end of 2013 campaign and experienced a nice late-career spell at Williams, highlighted by one pole position and five podium finishes.
Chris Medland's 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview
FEATURE: Hamilton v Rosberg: 2016 F1 drivers' title permutations
TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the McLaren-Honda MP4-31
INTERVIEW: Rob Smedley on Felipe Massa
FEATURE: When F1 team-mates fight for the title
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expects Formula 1 to conclude its 2026 season in Qatar…
Formula 1’s battle over fuel flow monitoring has spilled into the courtroom, with former supplier…
Barcelona has found a high-profile alternative to Formula 1 for 2027, with the Circuit de…
Christian Horner has revealed in his upcoming autobiography, Drive, that a “secret meeting” with Lewis…
He wasn't as flamboyant behind the wheel of a racing car as his countryman Ronnie…
Kimi Antonelli could be just one race away from an extraordinary Formula 1 milestone, but…