Brazilian Formula One Drivers - Current Drivers

Current Drivers

Felipe Massa debuted in 2002 and has been a Ferrari driver since 2006. In his first three seasons with the team he finished third, fourth, and then second in the drivers' championship. All eleven of his race victories happened during those three seasons. He has found himself as the number two driver in the team on several occasions, firstly to Michael Schumacher and then Fernando Alonso, having to yield the lead and let the senior driver through for the victory. Massa came very close to winning the 2008 season, eventually losing to Lewis Hamilton by just one point. He lost it on the last lap of the final race of the season when Hamilton managed to pass Timo Glock for fifth position and secure enough points to win the championship. The Ferrari team, unaware of Hamilton's late overtaking move, were celebrating in the belief that Massa had won the title. When the situation became clear the message was relayed to a very disappointed Massa.

Bruno Senna was ten years old when uncle Ayrton died and suffered further tragedy when his father died in a motorcycle accident two years later. His mother forced him to give up racing and he honoured her wishes until the age of 20. After several years in the lower formulas he got his big break with what would become HRT F1 in 2010. He was dropped by the team and he moved to Renault, initially as a reserve driver but later a full race driver. Again axed from a team Senna secured a 2012 drive with Williams, replacing compatriot Rubens Barrichello. With a best finish of sixth position Bruno has found it difficult to live up to the Senna name, even though Ayrton himself said "If you think I'm good, wait until you see my nephew Bruno".