After 16 years in Formula 1, Felipe Massa has found himself a new challenge in Formula E. The Brazilian has scored his first podium in the electric racing series on the streets of Monte Carlo and wants to build up good momentum. During the championship’s last round in Berlin the Venturi driver spoke to ŚwiatWyścigów.pl’s Roksana Ćwik.
Felipe, recently we lost Niki Lauda. How will you remember him?
It’s a big loss for the sport. Niki did a lot in his career as a racer and did a lot to all of us, especially for the improvements in safety. What’s happened to him is still being talked these days, especially after the movie ‘Rush’ came out. He is a big part of motorsport, of Formula 1 but also sport in general. I am sure that me and everybody will miss him a lot and he will be always remembered as a very important and strong name in motorsport.
In Monaco you stood on a podium. Do you think you can repeat this result?
I would be happy to and we need to believe that we can do it. Things are getting better and we are understanding more about the car, the championship and so many things. For sure there’s still a lot to improve and learn but I really hope we are following the right path to the good results, podiums and maybe even a victory.
What do you think about the crazy race in Paris?
It was crazy because of the weather. It’s a track where it’s difficult to overtake, so the rain helped a lot to make this race crazy.
Your story will be featured in the Will Buxton’s book “The Greatest Defeat”.
It’s nice to have your story featured in a book of someone who understands motor racing, understands the history of it. It’s nice to have some good stories around.
What’s your take on the Brazilian Grand Prix moving to Rio?
First we need to understand how this track is going to come to life and if it’s really happening. To be honest, I don’t like that area too much, but it’s not like the surroundings in Sao Paulo that much more. I think everybody likes Sao Paulo, as it always creates amazing races and amazing battles, so I’m not in favour of losing that. I’d like to see a new racetrack being built in Brazil but losing a race in Sao Paulo would be a loss.
You drove for Williams in Formula 1 quite recently. What do you think of the team in its current state?
First their situation is just sad. It’s not nice to see the team struggle that much, especially when it’s the team that you spent four years racing for and had podiums and good results with them. It’s sad to see them being last, 1.5 seconds slower than the 18th car and I really hope they can improve. It doesn’t look like the situation is easy for the quick improvement.
I can’t say too much about Robert [Kubica]. He’s got only one car to beat, which is his teammate, because the others are impossible to get. And he’s got a strong teammate who is going to be beaten easily. George [Russell] is definitely a big talent. Robert is coming back from a very sad and difficult situation, so what’s happening is not impossible to imagine. I hope that he’s going in the right direction and will be stronger with time, just like the team, as this is what everyone wants to see.
