F1: Felipe Massa gets emotional send-off at Brazil

The Brazilian Grand Prix is a strong contender for the craziest F1 race of the year, featuring several red flags, aquaplaning cars and jaw-dropping overtakes.

Lewis Hamilton won the race with relative ease and Max Verstappen’s storming drive from 14th to 3rd in the late stages put the world on notice. But the best moment may have taken place off track after Massa crashed into retirement.

The Brazilian, making his last F1 appearance in front of his home crowd, dejectedly waved to the crowd after crashing out in treacherous conditions. But as he walked back to the paddock, carrying the Brazilian flag and with tears trickling down his face, everyone came out to support him.

From rival teams Ferrari and Mercedes to members of the press and his family, scores of people paid tribute to Massa, making for one of the most emotional moments ever in F1.

 

Massa says it was better his final #BrazilianGP ended in retirement as it led to emotional pit-lane send-off https://t.co/EpxyxguhNI #F1 pic.twitter.com/06BBoEDAGG

— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) November 13, 2016

Massa applauded down the p/lane speak volumes of his popularity + real sense of an #F1family ..gives you a warm fluffy feeling doesn’t it ☺️

— Natalie Pinkham (@NataliePinkham) November 13, 2016

Massa given a guard of honour in the pits & is embraced by his family. A deserved send off #BrazilGP https://t.co/DZy4S1K6Fd pic.twitter.com/JtPGZxi36J

— Sky Sports F1 🏎 (@SkySportsF1) November 13, 2016

How to watch Felipe Massa walk down the Interlagos pitlane… pic.twitter.com/NYY6BGLlCP

— F1Nova (@F1Nova) November 13, 2016