Felipe Massa has announced that he will retire from Formula One at the end of the 2017 season, completing fifteen seasons in the sport.
The Brazilian will see out the final two races of the season; his home race at Interlagos, Brazil and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will be his 269th Grand Prix start.
Prior to this season, Massa was convinced into reversing his decision to retire at the end of 2016 following a last-minute switch for Valtteri Bottas from Williams to Mercedes. Massa has acted as the lead driver and benchmark for rookie Lance Stroll.
With Lance Stroll already confirmed at Williams for 2018, there have been weeks of speculation as to who will claim the remaining seat.
Several drivers have been linked to the seat, including Massa, Robert Kubica, Daniil Kvyat, Paul di Resta and Pascal Wehrlein.
However, with Williams’ decision not expected until later on in the year, Massa has decided to call time on his career on the run-up to his home race.
“As everyone knows, after announcing my retirement from Formula One last year, I agreed to return this season to help Williams when the call came,” said Massa.
“I have now enjoyed four great years with the team, but my career in Formula One 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.”
Having raced for Sauber, Ferrari and Williams, Massa’s current career statistics include eleven race wins, 41 podium finishes, 16 pole positions, and a best championship finish of second place.
