Massa says goodbye to Ferrari

Felipe Massa had an early Christmas lunch with Team Ferrari as he bid farewell to the Scuderia after sharing over ten years of his racing and personal life.

“We started together so many years ago and I want to thank all of you, mechanics, engineers, everyone who works at the track and behind the scenes in Maranello.  Each one of you has always given me so much support, especially in the most difficult moments and I will never forget what Ferrari did for me when I had my accident in 2009. It’s in these circumstances that one understands what it means to be really loved and the atmosphere at Ferrari and the unique feeling of being part of the family is something I will miss a lot.” said an emotional Felipe.

He also sent a special message to Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali: “I look on you as my big brother.  I thank you for everything you have done for me and for the opportunities you and the President have given me.” Finally Felipe had an affectionate word for his friend and team-mate Fernando Alonso, joking about the incident in the 2010 German Grand Prix. “Thanks also to you Fer, we will meet again on track and this time I will try not to let you through,” continued Felipe.

Jokingly to former teammate Fernando Alonso: "Thanks also to you Fer, we will meet again on track and this time I will try not to let you through," said Massa.

Felipe heads home to Brazil to spend the holidays with the family before Williams for the 2014 F1 season.  He takes with him a gift from President Montezemolo - the engine from the F2008 that got him thisclose to the world title in 2008.