Felipe Massa has spoken of his sadness about missing the recent Hungarian Grand Prix due to illness, but is fully focused on returning to the cockpit after the summer break.
The Brazilian, who came out of a brief retirement to compete with Williams Martini Racing alongside rookie Lance Stroll, complained of dizziness and feeling unwell during the Friday practice sessions in Hungary.
Massa was taken to a hospital in Budapest but was given the all clear to race. Massa continued to feel unwell during the Saturday morning’s third practice session however, and withdrew from the rest of the weekend where Williams’ reserve driver, Paul di Resta, replaced him.
“I was not feeling so well in the car, I was feeling dizzy, and I’m so sad because I wanted to be in the car racing for the team. This is a special place,” Massa said in a video on Williams’ Facebook page.
“I really hope the best for Paul, for the team to do a good job this weekend [in Hungary]. I need to rest and be a little bit resting and preparing myself in the best way to come back even stronger in Spa.
“So thank you very much for your support and help. Let’s support the team this weekend. Thank you very much, and see you in Spa.”