Felipe Massa fought from start to finish for his last race

It's the end of an era F1 since, unless there is a new arrival in 2018, the next F1 season should not see a Brazilian driver on the starting grid in March in Australia. Felipe Massa indeed competed in the last Grand Prix of his career this Sunday in Abu Dhabi, under the colors of Williams Martini Racing.

The 2008 world vice-champion indicated after qualifying thathe would not hesitate to take risks for this last outing. 10th on the grid, the Paulist reached the finish in this same position, notably fighting with his former teammate at Ferrari Fernando Alonso.

Massa admitted he was satisfied with his performance on the Yas Marina Circuit. “ The race was good, I fought from start to finish, comments the now retired from F1. Unfortunately we lost a position after the pit stop but I'm really happy.

It's a great feeling. I can say I'm really proud of everything I've accomplished, these sixteen years, all the incredible races, and the great people I've met in the paddock, and racing against the best riders in the world .

To be honest, I am very lucky to have had all of this in my life so thank you to my family and God for all these incredible opportunities. » A career marked by 11 victories, 41 podiums.

Williams technical director Paddy Lowe explains Massa's loss of position to Alonso after the #40 FW19 pitted. « We had a close fight with Fernando on the first lap and then later in the race during the stops, admits the Briton.

Unfortunately, we didn't have the pace today to stay in front. We lacked energy on the exit lap, which is why Fernando was able to pass, but we scored a point and points are what counts.

There was a lot of emotion among us with Felipe's last race for the team after such a great career in Formula 1. I’m happy for him and for the team in this last race. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent on the Yas Marina Circuit, in AUTO issue 2142hebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.