Massa says Ferrari exit brought new energy at Williams
Felipe Massa reflects on his 2013 Ferrari departure, admitting relief at joining Williams for 2014 and embracing a fresh start away from Maranello's pressure.
Felipe Massa has described his exit from Ferrari at the end of 2013 as a positive turning point, saying he is “glad” the move opened the door to Williams and a new phase in his Formula One career.
Massa’s time at Ferrari spanned from 2006 to 2013, including a near-miss in the 2008 drivers’ championship and two constructors’ titles for the team. The Brazilian raced alongside Michael Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, but Ferrari opted to re-sign Raikkonen for 2014, ending Massa’s long tenure at Maranello.
Speaking in 2014, Massa said he had no regrets about the decision, describing the switch to Williams as “absolutely the right move”. He explained that the change brought a sense of renewal, with less pressure than at Ferrari and a team environment that respected and motivated him. “You know, sometimes a change is good. I’m older but I feel young again. I’m ready to fight and work hard. I regret nothing,” he said at the time.
Massa also noted the contrast in expectations between the two teams. At Ferrari, he described the pressure to win as constant and intense, while at Williams he could focus more on racing itself. “At Ferrari it was huge, if you don’t win, you have a big load on your shoulders. Here at Williams I think only about the racing, which is better,” Massa said.
Williams’ motivation for signing Massa
Williams announced Massa’s signing for the 2014 season as part of a strategy to rebuild after a difficult year, having scored just a single point in 2013. Team principal Sir Frank Williams called Massa an “exceptional talent and a real fighter on the track”, while deputy team principal Claire Williams highlighted his experience and ability to motivate a team.
Pat Symonds, newly arrived as technical director, was leading a technical restructure at Williams. Massa expressed hope that his experience would help the team recover and return to competitiveness under the new engine and chassis regulations introduced for 2014. He joined Valtteri Bottas, who was entering his second season with the team.
The end of an era at Ferrari
Massa’s departure closed a chapter in which he had taken 11 Grand Prix victories and 36 podiums for Ferrari. The team’s decision to bring back Raikkonen paired the Finn with Alonso, a partnership that Massa later suggested was not as effective as Ferrari had hoped. Massa pointed out that he had often matched or outperformed Raikkonen during their time as team-mates, though he acknowledged Raikkonen’s 2007 title.
For Williams, signing Massa was also a nod to the team’s Brazilian heritage, with past champions Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna both having raced for the Grove outfit. Massa said he hoped to contribute to the team’s resurgence and saw the move as the best option available after Ferrari’s decision.
What the move meant for Massa and Williams
Massa’s arrival at Williams brought experience to a team in transition. For Massa, the new environment offered the chance to race without the relentless scrutiny of Ferrari, rekindling his motivation. For Williams, it was a step towards stability and rebuilding after a historically poor season.
- Massa replaced Pastor Maldonado, who left Williams after three seasons.
- The team ended its sponsorship arrangement with Venezuelan oil company PDVSA following Maldonado’s departure.
- Williams aimed to benefit from Massa’s technical feedback and racecraft as Formula One entered a new rules era in 2014.
