Former F1 Driver Felipe Massa Assumes New Role With the FIA – “There Is Undoubtedly a Lot of Do”

Former Ferrari F1 driver Felipe Massa has assumed a new role in the FIA. After retiring from F1 in 2017 after a 15-year long stint, he switched to Formula E for a brief period. Since then, he has been around for the FIA, serving in various capacities. In the latest move, President Mohammad Ben Sulayem has appointed Massa as chairman of the Drivers’ Commission, replacing Tom Kristensen.

Massa had an illustrious F1 career with various outfits. His debut goes back to the 2002 Australian Grand Prix with Sauber.

After initial success, he switched to Ferrari where he raced alongside Michael Schumacher briefly, developing a relationship that goes well beyond F1. His best finish came in the 2008 season, where he missed the title by 1 point to rising star Lewis Hamilton. In his career, which lasted over 270 races, he clinched victory in 11 of them, alongside 41 podiums and 16 pole positions.

Massa stepped away from the sport after the 2017 Abu Dhabi GP with Williams. However, he remains integral to the sport even today, voicing his opinions on events and serving at prestigious FIA posts.

Felipe Massa is thrilled to get this opportunity

The reputation of the FIA has taken a serious dent over the past two months. The events at the Abu Dhabi GP have presented many challenges in front of the topmost body. Incoming President Sulayem has entrusted Massa among others to help the organization build its reputation again. With a little more clarity on Lewis Hamilton’s front, the job is not as tedious as it was yesterday.

However, there is a need to introduce a lot of structural changes in the coming times, and Massa agrees to this. In a recent interview reported by Motorsport.com, the Brazilian gave his opinions on the same.

“The new FIA president has appointed me chairman of the Drivers’ Commission. I am very happy because there is undoubtedly a lot to do. The driver aspects of motorsport need to continue to be improved, issues such as racing licenses and the scoring approach need to be addressed, and safety standards need to be continually improved,” said Massa.

“I’m not completely giving up on karting, but I will now be involved as a consultant in this area. I was in charge of this area for four years at the FIA ​​and I love the job. It’s time to start a new job,” he added.

It will be interesting to see how Massa caters to the better interests of the sport, being in this important position. What changes do you want to see in the FIA functioning going ahead? Tell us in the comment section below.

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