Williams has confirmed that Felipe Massa will leave the team at the end of the 2017 season.

Massa made his debut with Williams in 2014. Over the last four years, he has helped the team secure third place in the Constructors' Championship in 2014 and 2015, and fifth place in 2016.

After initially indicating he would retire at the end of last year, he returned at Williams' request for the 2017 season, and the team currently stands fifth in the Constructors' Championship.

"As everyone knows, after announcing my retirement from Formula One last year, I agreed to return this season to help Williams when the call came," said the Brzilian. "I have now enjoyed four great years with the team, but my career in Formula One will finally come to an end this season.

"Once more, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this time: my wife and my father, my whole family, my manager Nicolas and all my friends, colleagues and sponsors. I would also like to add a huge thank you to all of the fans who have been incredibly supportive and passionate over the years.

"I take so many great memories with me as I prepare for my final two races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, and although they will be emotional, I am looking forward to ending on a high note and preparing for a new chapter in my career."

"I would like to thank Felipe for all he has done for the team over the last four years," added Claire Williams. "It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him. We are especially grateful that he agreed to postpone his retirement from Formula One for a year, after Valtteri joined Mercedes, which demonstrated the depth of the relationship we built during our time together.

"We appreciate that it wasn't an easy decision for him to return, after having such an emotional send-off at the end of last year. On behalf of Sir Frank, and all the team, we give our very best wishes to Felipe for the future."

The team will announce its 2018 driver line-up in due course.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by F1 Yank, 06/11/2017 17:28

"Filipe is a good driver, unfortunately the F1 drivers are becoming a field of young very quick talented personnel. I really like the old school drivers that now consist of Alonzo, Raikkonnen. Not sure who is next Grosjean? Raikkonen and Alonzo will be out pretty soon as well."

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2. Posted by Batman, 04/11/2017 17:17

"Low profile as it always was, Felipe leaves without rancor. F1 gave him much of what he wanted and F1 owes him a lot. At the end of his career as an F1 driver, let us be honest and acknowledge his talent, his regularity and honesty. Only a blind man will not see what Williams has evolved since hiring him. Still, it's interesting to see that Williams's fastest rider does not see the contract renewed and the slower rider whose father rents the place never recognized the role of Philip. What a contrast to François Cevert and Jackie Stuart in the era of Ken Tyrrel"

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3. Posted by Joop deBruin, 04/11/2017 14:10

"Not another celebration please! Let him go kicking and screaming by himself as he's dragged off of the F1 stage."

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Williams confirms Massa's departure

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