Felipe Massa is hoping he can enjoy one final "high note" to end his Formula 1 career, as he prepares to say goodbye at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Williams.
A year after the tears in the rain, the 15-year veteran got the send-off he wanted in front of his home crowd in Brazil just over a week ago, holding off Fernando Alonso to finish as the lead midfield runner in seventh at Interlagos.
Now he wants the chance to do that again at Yas Marina, a circuit he has finished on the podium at in 2014, while soaking in the experience of his final time at a race weekend getting behind the wheel.
“For me, it will be quite an emotional weekend as it will be my final race with Williams as well as my final race in F1,” he said. “I am looking forward to it and plan to enjoy every moment, to finish my Formula One career on a high note!
“Abu Dhabi is always a nice race and a place I always like to visit. The people go crazy for F1 as well, so I hope to see the track completely full!" he added. “There are so many parties and boats around the track, and so many people enjoying themselves and getting excited for the race. The track infrastructure is one of the best in the world too.”
As one veteran brings his career to a close, across the garage, Lance Stroll will be bringing the curtain down on his first season on the grid, a season that has seen him quieten some doubters with good performances but still sees him with a long way to go to meet his potential.
“I went there last year just after I was confirmed as a Williams Martini Racing driver and it was a great event. In my view, it is a wonderful place to finish off the season,” the Canadian said of Abu Dhabi. “It is in the desert and they really put on a show, so this will certainly be a fitting end to the season.
“The circuit itself wouldn’t be my favourite as it is very stop-and-go and doesn’t have a great flow to it but, despite that, the show is great and so good for the fans. One very interesting thing is the pit lane exit which is in a tunnel under the track, which is pretty different.”
