For the second consecutive year, Felipe Massa secured a return to the Monza podium as the Williams Martini Racing driver finished third behind Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.
The Brazilian admitted it is always emotional to finish on the podium in Italy, inheriting the place following the late retirement of Nico Rosberg, but was made to work for the position by team-mate Valtteri Bottas. Massa ultimately was happy to be able to keep the Finn behind him until the chequered flag, and take a good haul of points home from Italy for the team.
“It’s really emotional to have been on the podium,” insisted Massa. “It was a difficult but fantastic race, I didn’t have the best start but I was still able to pass cars so it was good enough.
“I worked hard to open the gap to Valtteri, but when I pitted early it gave him the advantage on tyres at the end of the race. It was hard to keep him behind as he really wanted it, but I just about managed it.
“I am delighted for myself and the team, we got a lot of valuable points. It’s special to be up on the podium at Monza again, and I really thank the team for their effort today.”
