Massa wants more Brazilian drivers

Former Formula One star Felipe Massa has lamented the fact that there are no longer any Brazilians on the grid now that he has retired from the sport, and blamed the country for not nurturing young talent as effectively as they have in the past.

Massa has been one of the most popular drivers of all time and even though he failed to claim a world championship, he is considered to be a very talented performer on the track.

His departure means there is nobody left from Brazil, and when asked if he was disappointed by this, he confirmed it was a worry.

"Of course I am," he told Auto Hebdo.

"My country is an integral part of F1 with drivers like Senna, Piquet and Fittipaldi and I am honoured to have been a part of that," said the former Ferrari and Williams driver.

"What worries me is that there is no sign that another driver will come any time soon. The economic situation in Brazil plays a role, but it is not the only problem."

Massa went on to claim that young drivers in Brazil are not given the same support as previous years, and this is making it difficult for anyone to break through into a seat in F1.

"There is nothing that prepares them to go from karting to single seaters and no national series that can prepare them for Europe, which remains the place that offers the most opportunities to progress," he said.

"Today, when I see Formula 4 in many countries, I think Brazil needs such a championship.

"We have a new president of the Brazilian automobile federation, so I really hope he will give a new impetus to do something for young people,"