Felipe Massa to leave F1 at the end of 2016

Felipe Massa confirmed in the Monza paddock that he will retire as driver of F1 at the end of the 2016 season. The Brazilian has been playing in the discipline without interruption since 2002 and will thus leave the main single-seater scene after 15 years behind the wheel.

His announcement will launch the transfer season since he will leave a free place at Williams after two spent with the British team. The Brazilian could possibly be replaced by Lance stroll (see: p8 of AUTO n°2078hebdo). The Canadian who serves as Williams' development driver could bring in very significant funds.

Felipe Massa should turn the page after having competed in 250 Grands Prix in his career. He would then become the seventh driver to have run the most races in F1, ahead of David Coulthard by four starts, the record being established by 322 events contested by Rubens Barrichello.

After having suffered the domination of Michael Schumacher, the former pilot of the Team Ferrari came very close to the coronation in 2008. Celebrating his title too early by crossing the finish line of his national Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, the Brazilian finally lost by a point against Lewis Hamilton.

To date, he has 11 victories, 41 podiums and 16 poles in 242 starts.