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2011 was a hugely disappointing season for Felipe Massa as he found himself comprehensively outperformed by Fernando Alonso. Having had a poor year in 2010 - which was forgiveable after his horrifying accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix the year before - it only got worse as he failed to finish higher than fifth while Alonso took a victory and nine other podium finishes. Unless he can produce a dramatic upturn in form, 2012 could be his last season with Ferrari.

He started his career with eight years in karts before graduating to the Formula Chevrolet championship in Brazil in 1998, winning the championship the following year. A move to Europe followed and in 2000 where he took victory in the Italian Formula Renault and Eurocup series. A step up to the Euro F3000 championship followed, in which he claimed his fourth title in three years. Riding on the momentum, Massa tested with the Sauber F1 team and was signed up for the 2002 season.

His driving was erratic in his debut season and he was advised to tame his talent as a Ferrari test driver the following year before returning to Sauber in 2004. Having rid himself of some of his rougher edges, he secured the services of Nicolas Todt (son of former Ferrari chief Jean Todt) as his manager, and was a regular points scorer. He was joined by Jacques Villeneuve in 2005 and, undaunted by having a former champion as a team-mate, consistently outperformed the Canadian.

He got his big break in 2006 when he rejoined Ferrari, this time as a race driver. Lining up alongside Michael Schumacher, he was able to show his raw speed and on occasion even left the German trailing. Despite playing the dutiful No. 2 role, he was able to record his first grand prix win from pole position in Turkey and finished the season third in the standings.

Massa was paired Kimi Raikkonen for 2007 and two wins from the first four grands prix was a promising start. His performances dwindled towards the end of the season however and he was able to win just once more. He could have been champion in 2008 but was let down by errors early in the season, both from himself and the team. He recorded his sixth win of the season in Brazil, but lost the championship to Lewis Hamilton by a single point.

After being so close to championship success, 2009 was a letdown. The package was initially uncompetitive and then a freak accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix brought an abrupt halt to his season and almost his life. He is still a popular figure in Maranello but patience is beginning to run out. With talk of Robert Kubica moving to Ferrari in the next couple of years despite his rally accident, Massa's time at the top of the sport could be limited.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Certain circuits seem to suit Massa and on those he is all but unbeatable given a competitive car. He does, however, remain prone to rookie mistakes and easily becomes demotivated.

Career High
While he lost the championship to Lewis Hamilton at his home race at Interlagos in 2008, his victory and attitude in defeat characterised Massa as the gentleman of F1.

Career Low
Being ordered by his long-time race engineer and close friend to move over and allow Fernando Alonso to win the 2010 German Grand Prix.

Quotes
"If my weekend begins well, I use the same underpants on Saturday. If that is also a good day, I wear them on Sunday. That is what I did in Brazil."

"What I don't quite understand is how Massa gets the lap times he does when he so often misses the apexes of the corners. What really does impress me is the fact that he displays a determination not to be counted out, or overlooked, when it comes to fighting for the world championship." Damon Hill.

Trivia
In May 2007 Felipe's underwear sold at auction for just under US $775. It's an urban myth that Massa had his first experience of F1 aged seven - when he delivered pizzas to the Brazilian Grand Prix. He clarified the truth recently, he was actually 17.