Massa didn't say goodbye to motorsport when he left F1: he drove in Formula E, the electric single-seater championship, between 2018 and 2020, then in Stock Car in Brazil this season.

Back in his country after fifteen years in Monaco, he opened a meat restaurant and took shares in a brand marketing the famous "Açaï Bowl" (a trendy Brazilian dessert made from acai berries) .

"I am very happy, I am enjoying life," he says.

"It's good to have more time for my family, for my son. In the end, you understand that you still have a lot of things in front of you. And it's just nice to have time for yourself!"

Brazilian driver Felipe Massa (Williams), in tears on the podium, greets his supporters after the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix, finished in 7th place, for his last race at home before stopping his career at the end of the season Nelson ALMEIDA AFP / Archives

In addition, Massa, now 40, has taken over the chairmanship of the karting commission of the International Motor Sport Federation (FIA), with the aim of making the discipline more affordable for young people.

"We are working with manufacturers and teams to understand how to spend less in the organization of races, trips, the number of tires used, the days spent on the track", explains the 2008 vice-world champion with Ferrari.

Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, driving his Ferrari, during the Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix, October 19, 2008 MARK RALSTON AFP / Archives

"F1 is growing"

If he claims to already see effects, Massa is "not yet satisfied" so far.

"It is not easy to fight with the manufacturers, he assures. They are exactly like in F1, to want to spend as much time as possible on the track".

After fifteen seasons in the top flight with Sauber (2002-2005), then Ferrari (2006-2013) and Williams (2014-2017), the Brazilian knows something about it.

Back on the Grands Prix this year as an ambassador, notably present at events organized by the sponsor Heineken, the former driver reveled in the turn taken by his sport since his departure.

"It's incredible to see the number of spectators on the circuits in Belgium, Holland, the United States or Mexico," he enthuses.

"We have a lot of new fans, perhaps thanks to Netflix (whose documentary series on F1 is a success, note). And they are all young."

Fans light smoke, a few minutes before the start of the Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix, September 5, 2021 at the Zandvoort circuit ANDREJ ISAKOVIC AFP / Archives

“The other day I was in my restaurant with Charles (Leclerc) and Daniel (Ricciardo), you can't imagine how many fans were waiting outside,” he says.

"You understand how much F1 is growing."

"Max deserves it"

"And the season is really fantastic, which helps a lot," said the driver with 41 podiums, including eleven wins, and sixteen pole positions.

In the fight between the Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and the Briton Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), crowned six times since 2014 and seven times since 2008, Massa takes sides for the former.

"In my opinion, Max deserves it. He does not make mistakes, such as locking his wheels under braking. Of course, there were clashes with Lewis but the title race is something else", justifies- he does.

Dutch drivers Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and British drivers Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), during the 1st practice session of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, September 3, 2021 at the Zandvoort circuit ANDREJ ISAKOVIC AFP / Archives

"Already having drivers from different teams fighting for the title is a very good thing. Having a different champion would be fantastic for F1!"

To have a Brazilian to succeed him too.

"Since Emerson Fittipaldi (champion in 1972 and 1974, editor's note), we had probably always had a full-time Brazilian in F1 and, since 2017, it's over. (...) It's sad for a country in love with this sport."

Caio Collet (19), 9th in the Formula 3 championship this year and supported by the Alpine team, and Rafael Cȃmara (16), who moves to Formula 4 with the support of Ferrari after winning in karting, are the first in the ranks, recalls Massa, who hopes that "there will soon be other names to carry the colors" of his country.

© 2021 AFP