I will miss everything in Formula One: Massa

Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi GP brought to an end to a 15-year career spanning 250 Grands Prix

Williams' Felipe Massa brought the curtains down on his Formula One career by finishing ninth in the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday night.
And it brought to an end to a 15-year career spanning 250 Grands Prix in which he had 11 victories. The Brazilian said it was nice to go out by finishing the race after he left gutted at his home race in Interlagos, where he encountered a DNF (Did Not Finish).
Massa, who raced for Sauber and Ferrari as well, most notably as multiple World Champion Michael Schumacher's teammate, said he was really proud to end it this way.
"I'm really proud to have been fighting up to the last lap of the race in the same way I fought in the first lap of my career," Massa said after the race.
"I want to say thank you to everyone who has been with me all the way, racing together. Thank you to the fans and to Williams, who I will keep supporting in the future. Thank you to everyone who has been part of everything I have been through. I have finished my career with my head up, the same way I started my career," he added.
And Massa felt it was the right time to call it a day. "You need to understand the right time and it is the right time. I'm really proud of my decision and I'm really proud for everything I passed through. And to be a part of this world is a big life experience," said Massa.
Prior to the Grand Prix on Sunday night, Massa was given a farewell by the team was gifted the Williams FW38 car, which he drove at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The team replaced title sponsor Martini with Massa's name on it.
"Thank you Williams for that gift," Massa said.
"The Williams team is a big family. The most important thing is the racing, you don't have politics and, for me, that's a big plus to be a part of this team. I will miss everything in Formula One. I will miss driving the most incredible car in the world," he added.
Meanwhile, Claire Williams, the Deputy Team Principal of the team said that Massa was part of the family.
 "He has become a central part of our family, not just Felipe, but his family as well. I've loved being able to call him my friend as well and I hope we can maintain that relationship," said Claire.
Rob Smedley, Head of Performance Engineering, said Massa was not just a great driver but also an amazing human being.
"I've known Felipe since he was a child. He's one of my best mates. He's not only a great driver with an outstanding career, but a really good human being as well," said Smedley.
Meanwhile, Massa's teammate Valtteri Bottas said it was sad to see Massa leave. "I'm sure everyone in Formula One is sad to see him leave but I'm sure, me and Felipe, we are still going to see each other again," said Bottas.
james@khaleejtimes.com
 

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