Massa aiming to end F1 career on a high note

Felipe Massa is intending to end his Formula 1 career on a high this weekend in Abu Dhabi, as he draws the curtain on his 15-year venture in motorsport's pinnacle. The race will be his last in F1, despite believing the same 12 months ago.

The Brazilian announced his retirement in 2016 but was brought back after Valtteri Bottas left Williams for Mercedes. After months of speculation, he announced his retirement for the second time prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he secured an impressive P7 result.

There are still question marks over who will be his replacement for 2018, with Robert Kubica being the leading contender. Massa is adamant that this time he will say goodbye to F1 for good, and is hoping to do so with a positive result. 

"Abu Dhabi is always a nice race and a place I always like to visit," he said. The people go crazy for Formula 1 as well, so I hope to see the track completely full! There are so many parties and boats around the track, and so many people enjoying themselves and getting excited for the race.

"The track infrastructure is one of the best in the world too. For me, it will be quite an emotional weekend as it will be my final race with Williams as well as my final race in Formula One. I am looking forward to it and plan to enjoy every moment, to finish my Formula One career on a high note."

Williams chief technical officer Paddy Lowe also hopes that Massa can end his career with a strong weekend: "This is Felipe’s final race with us, and his final in Formula 1, so part of our focus will be on making sure he ends his Formula 1 career on a good note."

Fergal Walsh