While many fans hoped that Felipe Massa would continue his Formula One career past the end of the current F1 season, the Brazilian driver only returning to the sport this season to fill in for the Mercedes bound Valtteri Bottasย after retiring from the sport at the end of 2015, however, it has now been confirmed that he will indeed, be leaving once again.
With Williams confirming this morning that that Felipe will leave the team at the end of the 2017 Formula One season, a seat he himself said he would like to keep next year, he also said if he didn't remain with Williams then that would be the end of his Formula One career.
He now plans to move onย to another exciting racing championship, and if his intentions at the end of 2016 remain the same, we could soon see one of our favourite Brazilian drivers on the Formula E grid.
โAs everyone knows, after announcing my retirement from Formula One last year, I agreed to return this season to help Williams when the call came,โ he explained. โI have now enjoyed four great years with the team, but my career in Formula One will finally come to an end this season.โ
โOnce 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.โ
โI 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.โ
Felipe made his debut with Williams in 2014. During the last four years, he has helped the team secure third place in the Constructors' Championship in 2014 and 2015, and fifth place in 2016.ย After initially indicating he would retire at the end of last year, he returned at Williams' request for the 2017 season, and the team currently stands fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
