As the F1 world awaits news of who will replace who at Ferrari in 2014, Felipe Massa has jumped the gun to confirm that he is leaving the team.

In a brief statement issued tonight on Instagram, he said: "From 2014 i will no longer be driving for Ferrari. I would like to thank the team for all the victories and incredible moments experienced together.

"Thank you also to my wife and all of my family, to my fans and all my Sponsors. From each one of you I have always received a great support!

"Right now I want to push as hard as possible with Ferrari for the remaining 7 races."

Following comments he made at the weekend, rather than leaving F1 the Brazilian reiterated that he hopes to secure a seat elsewhere

"For next year, I want to find a team that can give me a competitive car to win many more races and challenge for the Championship which remains my greatest objective! Thank you all. Felipe."

Earlier in the day, speaking at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo refused to comment on the speculation surrounding his team's line-up for 2014 other than to tease reporters.

"I have a meeting this evening with a driver to see if he's available, I hope to convince him. The driver's name is Michael Schumacher," he said with a grin.

"When there's news we'll let you know," he added.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Carugatese, 11/09/2013 9:43

"This replacement comes too late, for Ferrari and for Massa and his career. He should have gone two or three years ago, looking for other chances to reconstruct a career, probably not at his highest, for sure not prone to Alonso."

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2. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 11/09/2013 5:13

"Never the same since the coming together with Ruben's spring, the occasional flashes of the past were too occasional and became more renowned for his ability to spin than to overtake.

He may find a berth at Williams or Sauber but would have to bring some money with him otherwise it's goodbye F1 and hello Le Mans Series "

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3. Posted by Monaco, 11/09/2013 0:07

"Probably something Ferrari had to do because they did not win the constructors title since some time now. Felipe Massa is one of the nicest guys but I guess you get frustrated when you are always No.2. Even a lot of money cannot motivate you. Will he find a seat for 2014 ? I hope for him. Will he win some of the last 7 races now ? I sure hope for him. Since his terrible accident he was not the same. Good luck Felipe.
"

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4. Posted by Skidmarks, 10/09/2013 23:31

"It's funny, but much as I like Massa (and dislike Alonso) as a Ferrari fan I have to say that it doesn't surprise me. Since the accident we have only see flashes of how good Massa could have been.
For the last few seasons Alonso has out-driven the car to the point that even [i] most [/i] Alonso haters admit that he is probably the best all-rounder even if others are faster.

Other than Mclaren and sometimes Williams, has any championship contender team ever treated the #2 driver as anything other than support? "

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5. Posted by JackTheCat, 10/09/2013 23:29

"@J0sully1, No Alonso doesn't build the car, but you need to ask Ferrari why they feel they need to change a formula of having clear number1/number 2 drivers? If it's not to give Alonso a kick up the proverbial then what is it as it is only going to irk him?

Maybe this notion that he has done wonders with a mediocre car isn't quite as clear cut as it seems. Yes he has driven very well in the last few seasons, but maybe Ferrari think he could have done better and who are we to judge whether that is right or not?"

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6. Posted by J0sully1, 10/09/2013 23:14

"Sad for news Felipe, but it was time,
Still, if not for a blown engine, pitstop or even just a few less drops of rain, he'd be a world champion, Ferrari was on top of its game and Kimi was out to lunch, you just knew he'd never get that chance again.

P.S. Mr Cat, Alonso doesn't build the car, he can only drive it and he has squeezed more out of the Ferrari over the last 3 and half seasons then anyone else probably could. What more could Ferrari ask of him?
With the possible exception of Raikkonen should that happen, unless Ferrari gets its act together next year, I think whoever fills that seat next may doomed to looking as over as bad as Felipe has and he may get some vindication..."

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7. Posted by K1w1, 10/09/2013 23:04

"Good on Massa for getting in first. No sure if that was planned or he thought he'd get in before Ferrari just to show his displeasure.
I'm not a Ferrari fan and never will be but I also have to admire them as a team. Having said that I've hated the way they treat the 2nd driver who really never has a chance to win."

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8. Posted by JackTheCat, 10/09/2013 20:26

"Just maybe if he does get another drive we'll see the old Felipe Massa return. Face it what real motivation is it for a racing driver when he knows that the best he can ever hope to be is second to the man on the other side of the garage?

If and I assume it is still an if Kimi is replacing him there is no way on this Earth that he will be a contractual number 2 so is this Ferrari sending Alonso a wake up call. Four years and no championships, something had to change!"

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