The Williams’ Felipe Massa has confirmed that he will retire from Formula One racing at the end of the current season.
He joined the British team in 2014, the Brazilian was due to retire last season, but he changed his mind when Valtteri Bottas suddenly left Williams to join Mercedes.
“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.” Massa said.
“I have now enjoyed four great years with the team, but my career in Formula One finally comes to an end this season.
“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.” he added.
Massa scored 11 victories and 41 podiums in 268 races during his career in Formula One. He will participate in the Brazilian Grand Prix and then finish at Abu Dhabi. He is currently at 11th in the Formula One standings, four points behind his team-mate Lance Stroll.
Williams has not announced who will replace Massa next season alongside Stroll, who celebrated his 19th birthday last week.
According to report, former Toro Rosso Daniil Kvyat is now on the list of candidates to become the next driver at Williams.
Deputy team principal Claire Williams on the other hand, said she very thanks for Massa contributed for the team over last four year.
“I would like to thank Felipe for all he has done for the team over the last four year. It was an immense joy to work with him. We are especially grateful to him that he has agreed to postpone his Formula One retirement by one year.” Williams said.
“We appreciate that it wasn’t an easy decision for him to return after having such an emotional send-off at the end of last year. On behalf of Sir Frank, and all the team, we give our very best wishes to Felipe for the future.” she added.
Felippe Massa is currently at 11th in the F1 standings with 36 points so far. (Source:www.ndtvsports.com)
Williams is the only one of the leading teams not to be sold for next year. It has offered private trials to Poland’s Robert Kubica and test driver Paul di Resta at Silverstone and Hungariong last month, however in its statement issued on Saturday that it will announced the identity of the successful candidate when the time comes.
