Massa: Still a lot to do in Formula 1

As the only Brazilian driver in Formula 1, it was a safe bet that Felipe Massa would be summoned to this morning’s FIA press conference at the Carlos Pace circuit. While the real farewells were for his fellow panellist, Red Bull’s Mark Webber, who is heading off to the World Endurance Championship next year, the theme of the questions aimed at Felipe all concerned the fact this is his last race for Scuderia Ferrari.

“I hope to enjoy my last race with Ferrari and want to thank everyone, including Stefano as well, as he is big friend who did a lot for me,” began Felipe. “I want to have a lot of fun this weekend, ending with a good result that would make it even more emotional,” said the Paulista, reprising much of what he’d said earlier in the week. He revealed his affection for the Prancing Horse went back to a time long before serious racing.

“My first go kart was red and my first overall was red!” he recalled. “I’m getting older, but now I come to another re-start to my career and I’m really looking forward to a change and going to Williams. I think I still have a lot to do in Formula 1. I am happy and motivated to drive for them and to help them be competitive again.”

Apart from the personal importance of Massa staying in F1, there is also the matter of national pride, ensuring there will still be a Brazilian on the grid next year. “That’s very important,” agreed Felipe. “The country has such a history in this sport,” he affirmed: “so many drivers, so many victories, so many championships. For Brazil, Formula 1 is very important and we have motor racing in the blood. In the junior categories, things are not going so well in Brazil, so it is also important to give it a push to help for the future of this country in motor sport. I have been trying to help and to give ideas to the Brazilian federation.”

Asked if he thought Ferrari would miss him, Felipe laughed and replied, “I hope so! That’s not something I think about really. I just hope Ferrari can also have a good future. I have nothing to complain about, because we had a very good time together. I hope I can have a fantastic future in a different team and I hope the same for Ferrari. I really have zero frustration in my life and that’s the way it is.”