Massa column: A goodbye to F1, but not to racing

My Formula 1 career ended well, as I was fighting until the very final metres. I had wondered beforehand what I would think in my final laps racing an F1 car, but actually I never had time to ponder any special feelings because I was focused only on getting to the chequered flag.

The race in Abu Dhabi was very intense and challenging, with a final battle that saw me cross the finish line right behind Sergio Perez but just ahead of Fernando Alonso. Ninth place was a good reward for all the work done with Williams Martini Racing over the weekend – and I think we got the most out of the car on this track.

It was only after the finish that I realised it was really all over. I did a very slow lap of honour, and waved to the crowds – as well as doing a few doughnuts! I returned to the pits with a good feeling because I had done my maximum until the very end.

I think I can say that my final race at Interlagos was about celebrating with the people, while the weekend at the Yas Marina was dedicated to everyone I work with, with a particular feeling that I would not be doing another F1 race.

Once I got back to the pits, I immediately congratulated Nico Rosberg for a well-deserved F1 title. Then we took a team photo, and I shook hands with every single member of the team to thank them for all they have done for me over the past three seasons.

I think it said a lot about how strong my relationship with the team was that I was given one final surprise by the team as a leaving gift – the car in which I had raced in Brazil and which I had taken across the finish line in Abu Dhabi. It was a beautiful gesture.

My long Sunday in Abu Dhabi was not over though because then it was the matter of the traditional end-of-season party. It was quite a funny evening as it was not just Rosberg who had a reason to celebrate the title – as both myself and Jenson Button were there to mark the end of our long experience in F1. There were plenty of excuses to have good fun!

So far I have not had much chance to reflect on the end of my F1 adventure. On the Monday after the Abu Dhabi GP, I had some promotional commitments with our sponsors and I was busy until the late evening. Then, after sleeping for an hour, I went to the airport to fly home to Nice with the family. I slept all the way back.

I still have some more appointments with the team. There are some traditional end of year dinners and this Sunday I will attend the Autosport Awards. Then, I will return home to Brazil for the Christmas holidays. Only after that will the time come to make the best of my future, and I cannot wait.

You will continue to see me in my racing helmet though. I don’t know where and when, but I will keep you informed of what I am doing, I promise.

As a final word, can I just thank everyone who was close to me in my long adventure in F1? So thanks to the mechanics, engineers, sponsors, journalists, team bosses, friends, family and God for everything I’ve been through.

And finally, to you, my fans, who have always supported me. I hope you will continue to follow my story in motorsport. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart.