Massa’s farewell to Brazilian fans
Felipe Massa said farewell to his home Brazilian Formula One fans in the way he wanted on Sunday, thanking them from the Interlagos podium after a seventh place that felt like a victory. The Williams driver, whose last win was at the same circuit in 2008 when he finished runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in the championship, savoured every minute of his final grand prix on home soil.
There was a lump in many a commentator’s throat, and fans around the world, as the 36-yearold’s son Felipinho hailed his father over the team radio after the chequered flag. “Daddy I am so proud of you,” said the sevenyear-old, whose father is retiring from Formula One after the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi.
“Wherever you go I will support you. I love you. By the way, I loved your start.”
Father and son were then ushered onto the podium, after the top three had celebrated, with his old friend Rubens Barrichello presenting him to the crowd flooding onto the track.