Tributes pour in for Felipe Massa from the Twitterati

Published 09/01/2016, 12:29 PM EDT

F1 veteran Felipe Massa announced today that he’ll be retiring from the sport at the end of the year in what will be his 250th Grand Prix. The 35 year old Brazilian has 16 pole positions, 15 race wins and 41 podiums under his belt. He came close to winning the championship in 2008 but lost it in the final moments to Lewis Hamilton by just a single point.

Thanks @MassaFelipe19 for all the years with us and all the best for your future challenges 😉 #Massa pic.twitter.com/TXJvlvl4yd
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) September 1, 2016

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"He was my hero!"
Hear what the drivers had to say following @MassaFelipe19's retirement announcement pic.twitter.com/f3BfsfCRFf
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 1, 2016

Having started his career with Sauber, he moved to Ferrari in 2006 and raced alongside Michael Schumacher before the German retired the following year. He chose the same track to announce his retirement where Michael Schumacher did 10 years ago and dedicated the moment to him labeling him as the driver with the most influence over his career.

Wishing @MassaFelipe19 – who will retire after this season – all the best for his final #F1 races! Photo: 2002 pic.twitter.com/0fBo7IMjKT
— Alfa Romeo Racing (@alfaromeoracing) September 1, 2016

A sign of great quality in a sports person is having the confidence/ability to choose when to retire. Good luck my friend @MassaFelipe19
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) September 1, 2016

Congrats brother @MassaFelipe19 for all that you have achieved in F1. F1 will definitely miss you and your great character. #Formula1
— João Paulo Oliveira (@JPdeOliveira) September 1, 2016

Claire: "I'd like to thank @MassaFelipe19 for all his hard work. He'll always be part of the Williams family" pic.twitter.com/baoQWhXIgA
— ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) September 1, 2016

Congrats for your great career @MassaFelipe19! Great team mate, person and a driver! Let's enjoy the end of 2016 🏁👍 pic.twitter.com/LbBlkngN3m
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) September 1, 2016

Congrats @MassaFelipe19 great F1 career there bud….🇧🇷🎯
— Mark Webber (@AussieGrit) September 1, 2016

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A long standing ovation for @MassaFelipe19, who holds back tears after announcing he will retire at the end of 2016 pic.twitter.com/y9LPxYAJC8
— Sarah Holt (@sarahholtf1) September 1, 2016

Sad news today that Felipe Massa is to retire at the end of the 2016 season – a true gent in F1 who always had time for you
— Andrew Smith (@1LaPassione) September 1, 2016

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The world will adieu to the Brazilian after 13 years of him dedicating his career to the sport. Many consider him as one of the finest drivers never to win a championship. You’ll be forever missed Felipe.
Legend indeed.

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Jaskirat Arora is the Co-Founder & Content Head of EssentiallySports. He developed an avid interest in sports from an early age and actively follows F1, NBA & Tennis.