After announcing his impending retirement at this year’s Italian Grand Prix, the time has finally come for Williams driver Felipe Massa to say goodbye to the Formula One paddock with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix heralding not just the end of the 2016 season, but the end of his 15 year career in the pinnacle of Motorsports.
While most eyes will be focused on the title fight at the front of the field and the emotions it will stir if Nico Rosberg takes his first ever world crown, Felipe will be focused on his 250th and final weekend as a Formula One driver and on doing the best job possible for his Williams team.
However, when all is said and done come Sunday evening, Felipe’s exit is going to be an extremely emotional one….
“It’s going to be another emotional one! You try not think about it too much when you’re in the car, you just try to do as good a job as you can,” he said. “It’s a really nice track to drive, there are lots of fans who really enjoy themselves at the track and outside of the track and it is, of course, a twilight race which is interesting for us and everyone watching”
“ I really hope the final, and 250th race of my Formula One career, can be a fantastic one. We will of course have a big party! Hopefully we can celebrate with a great result.”
The ultra-modern Yas Marina Circuit stands apart thanks to its unique features, including the LED-lit hotel sprawling over the circuit and tunneled pit lane exit.
The long straights and open nature of the circuit promote entertaining racing, and the venue was the scene of celebrations for Williams in 2014 as a double podium for Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas secured the team a total of 66 points in the double points system, the most points scored by a team at a single grand prix.
