Motorsport: Massa to retire at season's end

Felipe Massa talks to the media in a press conference. Photo / Getty Images

Felipe Massa has announced he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old Brazilian broke the news at a press conference ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

Massa began his grand prix career in 2002 with Sauber before he moved to Ferrari in 2006 and latterly Williams.

He missed out on the championship to Lewis Hamilton by one point in 2008 at the final race of the season in his native Brazil.

'I managed to achieve many of my dreams and I am very proud of my career,' an emotional Massa said.

Massa, who won 11 times in a career which will yield 250 starts, survived a horrific accident during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009.

The Brazilian was struck on the crash helmet by a spring which came off Rubens Barrichello's car.

He suffered a fractured skull in the freak incident but miraculously he returned for the season-opening race in Bahrain the following year where he finished second.

Massa moved to Williams in 2014 after eight seasons with Ferrari.

'It is a very sad and emotional day and it is a big decision he has come to,' said deputy team principal Claire Williams.

'He is a true gentleman. The spirit he embodies really says everything about the man he is.

'We were so lucky that Felipe agreed to come and join us.

'Thank you for finishing your career at Williams.'