Williams and title sponsor Martini say 'thank you' to Felipe Massa

The Williams team and title sponsors Martini will display their gratitude to the retiring Felipe Massa at this weekend's Brazilian GP, the veteran's final home race.

The livery of Massa's car will be dramatically altered for the event, with the Martini logo on his FW38 replaced by 'Massa' and the rear wing adorned with 'Obrigado' - 'thank you' in Portuguese.  

The change is believed to be the first of its kind undertaken by an F1 partner. 

"I've always said that I drive the best looking car on the grid, but this takes it to a whole other level," said Massa.  "I've never known a sponsor to do this for a driver before. It's an honour and I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit emotional about it."

Massa has driven for Williams since 2014 and is set to reach the landmark of his 250th GP race start at the season-concluding Abu Dhabi GP later this month, his last race before hanging up his gloves. 

"Felipe isn't just a driver, he's a friend," said Shane Hoyne of Bacardi. "We thought it only right that we mark the occasion and give his name pride of place on the car. 'Obrigado' on the rear wing is not just our way of saying thank you to him, but for Felipe to say thank you to all his fans in Sao Paolo."

Can Nico Rosberg clinch the title at Interlagos? Watch the Brazilian GP live on Sky Sports F1 on Sunday, the race begins at 4pm; Watch the whole race weekend with a NOW TV week pass - £10.99, no contract