The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Motorsport›Felipe Massa
Sports • Motorsport

Felipe Massa

Felipe Massa is a Brazilian former racing driver best known for competing in Formula One from 2002 to 2017.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Felipe Massa is a Brazilian former racing driver best known for competing in Formula One from 2002 to 2017. He won 11 Grands Prix, finished runner-up in the 2008 World Drivers' Championship, and later raced in Formula E. He has also served in motorsport governance roles, including with the FIA Drivers' Commission.

Early life and junior career

Massa was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and began karting at age eight. He progressed through Brazilian and international junior categories before moving into single-seater racing in 1998.

Formula One career

Massa entered Formula One with Sauber in 2002 and later became a Ferrari race driver. He achieved 11 Grand Prix victories and finished runner-up in the 2008 championship.

Later racing career

After ending his Formula One career in 2017, Massa competed in Formula E. Sources also describe him as taking part in motorsport-related administrative roles after his F1 retirement.

Legacy

Massa is remembered as one of Brazil's prominent Formula One drivers of the 2000s and 2010s. His near-miss in the 2008 title race is one of the defining moments of his career.

Key facts

  • Felipe Massa is a Brazilian former racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2002 to 2017.
  • He won 11 Grands Prix and finished runner-up in the 2008 World Drivers' Championship.
  • Massa raced for Sauber, Ferrari, and Williams in Formula One.
  • After Formula One, he competed in Formula E.
  • He has also served in motorsport governance roles, including with the FIA Drivers' Commission.
🍁
Canadian context

Felipe Massa has relevance for Canadian motorsport fans through Formula One coverage and the broader international racing series followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Felipe Massa?
He is a Brazilian former racing driver best known for his Formula One career from 2002 to 2017.
Which Formula One teams did Felipe Massa race for?
He raced for Sauber, Ferrari, and Williams.
How many Formula One races did Felipe Massa win?
He won 11 Formula One Grands Prix.
What was Felipe Massa's best championship result?
His best World Championship finish was second place in 2008.
Where was Felipe Massa born?
He was born in São Paulo, Brazil.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felipe_Massa
    Supports: Birthplace, early karting, junior career progression, and Formula One team history.
  2. RaceFans — https://www.racefans.net/felipe-massa/
    Supports: Date of birth, birthplace, and 2008 championship runner-up result.
  3. Monaco Tribune — https://www.monaco-tribune.com/en/listing/felipe-massa/
    Supports: Formula One career span, total Grands Prix, wins, retirement timing, and later Formula E participation.
  4. F1i — https://www.f1i.com/drivers/felipe-massa
    Supports: Karting background and early single-seater career.
  5. Fandom — https://f1.fandom.com/wiki/Felipe_Massa
    Supports: Ferrari and Williams career timeline, championship result, and FIA Drivers' Commission role.