Sunday: Alonso and Ferrari Claim One Last Podium
Fernando Alonso managed to finish the season on a positive note by climbing onto the podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix behind the untouchable Red Bulls. Felipe Massa hoped to do the same in front of his home crowd and for his last race in red, but he lost all hope after being penalized by the race stewards, a sanction he does not believe he deserved.
Fernando Alonso – 3rd:
« A podium is the best way to end this long season, and finishing behind the two Red Bulls is almost like a victory, while being the maximum we could achieve today. It’s really a shame that the much-anticipated rain never came, because in the rain, we clearly would have been more competitive. I didn’t get off to a very good start and found myself stuck on the outside then on the inside. However, after catching up to Hamilton and Rosberg, I started attacking, and my race was an all-out attack. Even though we can’t be fully satisfied with this result, because our goal is always to win, I want to see the season in a positive light: we have won and secured podiums, as well as finished second in the drivers’ championship, and those are figures of which Felipe and I can be proud. He has been a fantastic teammate, and even though we will continue to see each other in the paddock, I will miss our relationship. I wish him all the best for the future. »
Felipe Massa – 7th:
« My race started perfectly, with a good start and then a good pace, which allowed me to make some beautiful overtakes immediately, and I was really having a good race until I was given a penalty for crossing the white line. I don’t think I deserved a drive-through, and I think it wasn’t fair. I am very disappointed because today, I could have finished 4th or 3rd. I’m sure that if I had ended up behind Fernando, he would have let me pass. However, I don’t want this incident to ruin such a special weekend for me and the whole team. In their eyes, I am a world champion, and I will never forget them. I will also never forget my time at Ferrari. I want to thank everyone who gave me this opportunity and unwavering support all this time, especially President Montezemolo, Stefano Domenicali, and all the mechanics and engineers who work here on the track and at the factory, as well as all the Ferrari fans who, over the years, have celebrated with me and suffered with me during the toughest times. Thank you! »
