Massa: Proved myself to the very end
Felipe Massa believes he proved even in his final race in Formula 1 that he can make a “good contribution” as he wrapped up his career with another points-scoring finish.
The Williams driver bid farewell to Formula 1 at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Massa capped it with a tenth-placed finish on an evening where he engaged in a thrilling battle with Fernando Alonso.
It was a good ending to a career that included 11 grand prix wins and a runner-up result in the 2008 championship.
“I feel that I am a very lucky person,” he wrote in his Motorsport.com column.
“I realised my ambitions by completing a career that fulfilled the dreams I had as a child. And when you live such a beautiful story, you have to thank those who helped you on that path.
“And that starts with my family, who didn’t miss any opportunity to give me the biggest support possible – especially in the most difficult moments.
“I think the last races have shown how appreciated I was as an F1 driver. I was very happy with the results from both Brazil and Abu Dhabi, where I don’t think it would have been possible to bring home anything more.
“It was important to end the long journey of my career on such a positive note, and up until the final metres of my F1 career, I’ve shown I am a professional who can make a good contribution to a team.”
The Brazilian not only ended his career with a few burnouts but also joined race winner Valtteri Bottas and 2017 World Champ Lewis Hamilton in parking his car on the track.
“在阿布扎比的方格旗大Prix I decided to do something a bit special – that isn’t really covered by the FIA rules. But after 15 years of Formula 1, I am sure I will be forgiven.
‘Following the lap of honour, I went with my car to the start/finish straight with the two Mercedes drivers to celebrate with a spectacular burnout.
“I was delighted to receive the greetings from Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton, but above all have the opportunity to say thanks to everyone who has accompanied me on this long journey.”
