The astonishing secret clause to hold Massa and Ferrari

Philip Massa The pilot may be the closest to winning the title of world champion Formula 1 But he never won it (although it is fair to remember that in this aspect the Brazilian pilot has a worthy contender, Stirling Moss).

In a single seat wheel CavallinoAnd the Philip Massa He has 11 victories, but usually when he mentions his name it’s not the first thing that comes to mind, but rather the phrase “Fernando is faster than youAnd the drama he experienced in Sao Paulo after the defeat in front of it Lewis Hamilton In the last moments of the race they both played the title in 2008.

Recently, the Brazilian talked about how his relationship with the team from MaranelloA surprising story due to a strange secret clause that contains his first contract.

In general view, in the 2006 season Massa became a teammate Michael SchumacherTo replace his compatriot Rubens Barrichello. But in fact the history of his relationship with Ferrari I started a long time ago.

“[En el año 2000] She became the Italian and European Formula Renault 2.0 champion.” massa in motorsports. “After that, many teams wanted to sign a contract with me.”

Ferrari quickly arranged a meeting at Maranello. I didn’t even know it, but at that point they were already following me for a long time: they had a lot of data from tests and races, all in telemetry. They told me: ‘We want to take you to the young Ferrari driver programme.’ But at that time, they didn’t even have such an academy.”

“The only thing I had to do was not tell anyone about this, it was the only clause. The story had to be kept completely confidential.”

“Then I signed an eight-year contract. But I was only able to share this joy with my relatives. This was very difficult to follow.”

“I soon got a seat in SauberEquipment that uses motors Ferrari, before they called me back from Maranello, and since 2006 I’ve driven for them. So my dream came true.”

Felipe Massa was with Ferrari until the end of 2013, before moving to WilliamsThe team that bid farewell to the highest category in motorsports at the end of 2017.

Currently, the 41-year-old Brazilian driver is continuing his career and competing in the National Touring Car Championship. He is also gradually moving up the professional ladder at the FIA, where he now chairs the Drivers’ Committee.