Massa to retire at the end of the season
- Published on 04 Nov 2017 13:42
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- By: Sam Gale
Williams driver Felipe Massa has said he is retiring at the end of the season, ending a 15 year career in the sport. The Brazilian had been due to retire at the end of last season but was brought back into the sport by Williams as a last minute replacement for Valtteri Bottas who left to fill the spot left by the retiring world champion Nico Rosberg.
Massa had been in the running for a Williams seat for next season, and had been quite vocal in his belief that he would be the most suitable driver for the team heading into next season, but has now said his decision is final to retire.
"As everyone knows, after announcing my retirement from Formula 1 last year, I agreed to return this season to help Williams when the call came," said Massa in a team statement.
"I have now enjoyed four great years with the team, but my career in Formula 1 will finally come to an end this season. Once more, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this time: my wife and my father, my whole family, my manager Nicolas and all my friends, colleagues and sponsors.
"I would also like to add a huge thank you to all of the fans who have been incredibly supportive and passionate over the years. I take so many great memories with me as I prepare for my final two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, and although they will be emotional, I am looking forward to ending on a high note and preparing for a new chapter in my career."
It is understood that Williams is inclined to hand Robert Kubica a race seat for 2018, but want to test him further to fully evaluate his potential. Williams reserve driver Paul Di Resta is also a high candidate, impressing the team when he filled in for an unwell Massa in Hungary earlier this year.
Former Red Bull and Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat and Mercedes junior Pascal Wehrlein are also both being considered. However, these are less likely options as Williams' title sponsor Martini is believed looking for a driver over the age of 25 to partner Lance Stroll.
Sam Gale and Fergal Walsh
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Replies (13)
Login to replyDanimal5981
Posts: 579
If age is a requirement for the main sponsor it is obvious that Kubica will be handed the seat. I also understood that part of the deal is that Nico Rosberg (as part of Kubica's management) will do promotional activities for Williams' main sponsor which is significant, given the fact he's a former F1 champion.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Please no more of that boring quitter Nico.
Orchide
Posts: 82
All depends on how much money Kubica can bring.
It has also been very quiet in media since his tests. Can it be that Williams are not happy with the performance?
Kean
Posts: 692
@orchide I read, I think on this site, that DiResta had been 0,2 sec faster that Kubica during the Hungary test. Also read that Renault found his lap times inconsistent. Still Paddy favors Kubica, maybe because he brings two sponsors from Poland and Nico is on board. I don't know who I would rather see in the seat, I guess which ever driver is the fastest. Just as long as they don't sign Wehrlein, that guy doesn't deserve the hype surrounding him.
Savio
Posts: 145
I hope see Kubica in impressive fight with Ericsson next year
f1ski
Posts: 726
The press, media attention brought by Kubica could outweigh the 0.2 sec a lap. Over 60 laps what 12 seconds. I think that Kubica also if he felt he couldn't be competitive is the type to step aside. I am sure that Lowe is not making this decision alone. An aside Kubica was a great racer that is another consideration. He was one of my favorite
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
No major surprise, i will miss him!
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Deja vu. He should have gone out more dignified choosing to retire instead of being forced out. He came back to the aid of Williams. Then he decided he wanted to keep racing for some reason... But theediocrity that
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
.. The mediocrity has characterized him for the last 8+ years was evident, and Williams with a surplus of eager promising drivers (who would also be cheaper) could not do otherwise.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
It will be interesting to see hope Stroll shapes up against a decent team mate.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
My first choice is Kubica, my 2nd choice is anyone BUT DiResta.
Harryw
Posts: 107
I'd love to see Paul get the seat
Barron
Posts: 625
I think Paul has a very dour demeanour (he is Scottish after all) and he made some unfortunate comments about the FI team when he drove for them but aside from that, I think he has decent pace. He won’t set the world alight but give him a decent car and he’ll deliver points. Bit of a Massa MKII really. I really don’t think Kubica could deliver over an entire season - I’d love to see it with his old fire, but serious injuries do lasting damage to the thought processes too. I would be amazed if he could overcome everything and be successful again, but it’s a high risk.