Brazilian Formula One racing driver Felipe Massa has announced his retirement from Formula One racing after the 2016 season. The 35-year-old Williams Martini Racing driver will compete his 250th and final Grand Prix at Abu Dhabi in November. Massa declared his retirement plans ahead of Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Thursday.
Massa, an 11-time race winner, made his F1 debut with Sauber back in 2002. Though he performed pretty well in the first season, erratic driving style would see him sidelined for 2003. Sauber re-signed him for 2004 and 2005 season. He moved to Ferrari in 2006 and stayed till 2013 season, winning 11 races of his total 242 races. On Nov. 11, 2013, Williams announced that Massa would partner Valtteri Bottas for 2014. He will also close his 14 years of F1 career at Williams.
"A huge thank you as well to everyone I have worked with over the years. Every team I have been a part of has been a special experience, and not only in Formula One. I have so many great memories over the years and thank everyone in all the teams I have come through to help me get to where I am today," Massa said on his retirement.
"My career has been more than I ever expected and I am proud of what I have achieved. Finally, it is a great honour to finish my career at such an amazing team as Williams Martini Racing. It will be an emotional day when I finally conclude my Formula One career with my 250th Grand Prix start in Abu Dhabi," he added.
