FELIPE Massa revelled in what he described as the “perfect race” after finishing seventh in his final home grand prix.

The Brazilian, who is due to retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season, said an emotional goodbye to his adoring fans at Interlagos on Sunday.

Massa earned a solid points finish for the Grove-based Williams team and waved to the crowd as he emerged from his car in the pit lane.

The 36-year-old said: “It’s such an amazing result and such an amazing feeling to pass through all of this in my career.

“The race was perfect, from beginning to end.

“An amazing start, overtaking a few cars, then an amazing restart after the safety car, passing Alonso.

“I knew it would be very important to pass him for my race and result.

“After that, a perfect race. I managed to keep him behind, even without tyres at the end.”

Massa, who has won 11 grand prix over a 15-year career in the sport, was set to retire last year.

But Williams confirmed the Brazilian would return for 2017 after Valtteri Bottas joined Mercedes.

Massa’s last race will be in Abu Dhabi next weekend but, after starting ninth, he was thrilled with his final outing at his home circuit.

He said: “I finish with my head held high, that’s the most important thing, in this place which is amazing for me.”

Teammate Lance Stroll was 16th.