I have a dream…

This morning Felipe Massa announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of this season. I had the fortune and privilege to write many press releases relating to his races, almost all those on his seasons at Ferrari, including the years when it was only a test driver, and I think I can say that the sport loses lot with his farewell. In an environment like Formula 1 a few people are sincere, honest, transparent and clean as Felipe, a guy who has never got big-headed and that has become a mature man and a father that all the children would like to have. Much is due to his family, the one that gave him birth and the one that today shares every moment of his life: the joy in the eyes of his son Felipinho when playing football in the paddock or driving go-karts in the terrace of their house is the symbol of the beauty of Massa family.

I lived many sporting moments next to him, many beautiful, some bad, as the accident in Budapest in 2009 or Interlagos 2008. Few people have been shown to have a team spirit as Felipe did in his years at Ferrari and this is a value which means more than many pole positions and victories. The dignity that he showed in difficult times is something that should be taken as an example, not only in F1 but in many sports and in life in general.

Today I have a dream. Looking back on the Grand Prix of Italy ten years ago when Michael announced his retirement just after winning the race, it would be nice to see repeated that fairytale. Felipe was ahead of its time by a few days, so if ever there is someone who can make dreams come true you can work on it!