Felipe Massa says booking a berth in the final part of qualifying is proof he will leave F1 racing still at the top of his game.

The Brazilian produced a fantastic lap in Q2 to squeeze into the final part of qualifying - his lap more than one second faster than Williams team mate Lance Stroll, who wound up 15th. Massa, meanwhile, kept up a record of starting from the top 10 in every race he has contested in Abu Dhabi - one he says will help him leave with his 'head held high'.
"To finish with good lap times, good races - it's a good way to retire," Massa said. "I'm taking the best [out of myself] - being competitive.
"I just managed to get to Q3 and I got the best out of the car. I'm so happy with what I achieved - and showing that I'm at the top of my competitiveness.
"I'm so happy with what I achieved and I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's race. Some points would be great!
"I want to have fun. Nothing to lose - risk everything and don't care."
Alongside his qualifying record, Massa has scored points in every race to date at Yas Marina - with the peak being his second-place finish to Lewis Hamilton in the 2014 finale.
Next Up
Related Articles
How F1 drivers recharge during the winter break
14 drivers from different eras who raced together in F1
ExclusiveZhou on why he has ‘high trust’ in Cadillac project
Racing Bulls unveil race suits for 2026
F1 AcademyPUMA select Rachel Robertson for 2026 season
F1 Arcade announces opening date for new Atlanta venue
