Italian Grand Prix: Williams' Felipe Massa announces he will retire at the end of the F1 season

The 35-year-old Brazilian broke the news at a press conference ahead of the Italian Grand Prix

Massa made the announcement speaking to journalists in Italy (Getty)

Felipe Massa has announced he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old Brazilian broke the news at a press conference ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

Massa began his grand prix career in 2002 with Sauber before he moved to Ferrari in 2006 and latterly Williams.

Felipe Massa in action (Getty)

He missed out on the championship to Lewis Hamilton by one point in 2008 at the final race of the season in his native Brazil.

"After 15 years in Formula One...this will be my last season," Massa told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix.

"I managed to achieve many of my dreams and I am very proud of my career."

Massa, who survived a near-fatal head injury in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying in 2009, joined former champions Williams in 2014 after eight seasons with Ferrari.

"It is a very sad and emotional day and it is a big decision he has come to," said deputy team principal Claire Williams.

"He is a true gentleman. The spirit he embodies really says everything about the man he is.

"We were so lucky that Felipe agreed to come and join us.

"Thank you for finishing your career at Williams."

PA.