Massa to retire again from Formula 1 at the end of the 2017 season
Williams driver Felipe Massa has announced he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of this season.
It is the second time in a little over a year the Brazilian has revealed he is retiring, after initially planning to walk away last season only to be quickly drafted back into the Williams fold to replace the departing Valtteri Bottas, following Nico Rosberg’s shock retirement.
Massa has now decided to retire again after falling down the list of candidates for a Williams drive alongside Lance Stroll next year.
Massa – who made his F1 debut in 2002 and has contested 267 races, taking 11 wins – is now expected to switch to Formula E.
“As everyone knows, after announcing my retirement from Formula 1 last year, I agreed to return this season to help Williams when the call came,” said Massa. “I have now enjoyed four great years with the team, but my career in Formula 1 will finally come 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.”
Williams test driver Paul di Resta and Robert Kubica are now believed to be the favourites to secure a drive with the team next season.