FELIPE MASSA

“If Max wins, it will be the most impressive thing that happened in Formula 1 in a very long time” Felipe Massa

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying session, we caught up in the paddock with Felipe Massa, who competed in Formula 1 in 2002 and then from 2004 to 2017. The Brazilian driver finished third in the championship in 2006 and became vice-world champion in 2008.

Reflecting on the finale of the season, Massa shared his thoughts on how the

championship fight has unfolded and why this ending is exactly what the sport needs:

“Very interesting finish of the championship. We see a big fight for the last race of the season. That's what everyone wants to see. So, I think it will be

a very interesting race to watch tomorrow."

Regarding who can win, Massa also shared his predictions:

“I think Lando has more chance, and especially they have the best car. But what Max is doing is completely impressive. You never know. So, I think everything can happen tomorrow. So, I think if Lando wins, it will be maybe what everyone

expected and what it should be for the championship. But I think if Max wins, it will be the most impressive thing that happened in Formula 1 in a very long time."

The championship could have been decided as early as Qatar, but Norris

finished only fourth there, keeping the title fight alive into Abu Dhabi. Now, with everything on the line, the pressure is clearly building — and Massa believes it weighs more heavily on one side:

“For sure, he is under pressure, it feels more than Max. Max will try everything he can. And maybe it works. So, we don't know. So, let's see what happens. I think, if I have to say, in terms of drivers, Max deserves more for what he did during the season.”

As our conversation unfolded, the paddock was overflowing with people — bloggers, celebrities, guests. We asked Massa how he feels the image of Formula 1 has changed compared to his racing years and whether these changes

benefit the sport:

“Much more people around, everywhere. So, if you see here in the paddock, it's nice to see that. It's fantastic!” ❙❘

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