Felipe Massa to retire from F1 after 2016 season

After competing in Formula 1 since 2002, 35-year old Brazilian racing driving Felipe Massa will be hanging up his helmet at the end of the 2016 season.

“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,” said Massa.

Felipe Massa first joined Williams Martini in 2014 and was able to secure three podium wins and one pole position in his first season with the team. This allowed Williams Martini to finish third place overall in the Constructors'Championship. In the 2016 season, Massa is tenth overall in the driver standings with 39 points.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Felipe these past three seasons and we will all be sad to see him leave. Felipe came to us at a time of huge change and his blend of experience, talent and enthusiasm have been an important factor in the turnaround of the team. Anyone who knows Felipe knows what a warm and caring person he is, with an infectious personality. He has done a great deal for our sport over the years and I think every team that has had the pleasure of working with him has great affection for him,” said Claire Williams, deputy team principal of Williams Martini Racing.

Massa first got his start in Formula 1 with Sauber fourteen years ago. He then got a position as test driver for Ferrari in 2003 before returning to Sauber for another two year, alongside his testing duties with Ferrari. This allowed Massa to build a reputation in Ferrari which ultimately landed him a seat with the Pransing Horse team.

In 2006, he officially joined Scuderia Ferrari, alongside seven-time World Champion, Michael Schumacher. In that season alone, he was able to win two of his eleven career victories and was able to win third place overall.