Why Felipe Massa just couldn’t stay retired

By Matias Grez, CNN
Updated 9:23 AM EST, Fri December 14, 2018
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Felipe Massa officially launches the new SAUDIA Ad Diriyah E-Prix at the Ad Diriyah UNESCO Heritage site Saudi Arabia ahead of the Season 5 Opening race The ABB FIA Formula E Championship on September 25, 2018 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabi (Photo by Neville Hopwood/Getty Images)
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(CNN) —  

After 15 thrilling and intensely demanding years in Formula One, Felipe Massa hung up his racing helmet for good at the end of last season.

During his time in the sport, the Brazilian established himself as one of the most loved and exciting drivers on the grid, amassing a huge following around the globe.

Visit CNN/com/sport for more news, features and videos

With a second retirement – Massa first quit F1 in 2016, only to be lured back for another year – on the horizon, it looked as though the 37-year-old was going to enjoy some well-earned time away from the spotlight.

Formula E, the world's leading all-electric racing series, officially unveiled its next generation car Tuesday at the Geneva Motor Show.
Photos: Formula E unveil next generation car in Geneva
PHOTO: FIA Formula E
Formula E, the world's leading all-electric racing series, officially unveiled its next generation car Tuesday at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Gen2, as it's been named, will make its racing debut at the start of the 2018-19 Formula E season.
Photos: Formula E unveil next generation car in Geneva
PHOTO: FIA Formula E
The Gen2, as it's been named, will make its racing debut at the start of the 2018-19 Formula E season.
After a digital launch earlier this year, the first physical model was revealed by FIA President Jean Todt and Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag.
Photos: Formula E unveil next generation car in Geneva
PHOTO: FIA Formula E
After a digital launch earlier this year, the first physical model was revealed by FIA President Jean Todt and Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag.
Formula E title partner ABB provided a robotic arm to lift the cover on the new design.
Photos: Formula E unveil next generation car in Geneva
PHOTO: FIA Formula E
Formula E title partner ABB provided a robotic arm to lift the cover on the new design.
The new car will have twice the energy storage of the current car, doubling its range. It means the end of the mid-race car swap that has been a fixture of Formula E since its debut in 2014.
Photos: Formula E unveil next generation car in Geneva
PHOTO: FIA Formula E
The new car will have twice the energy storage of the current car, doubling its range. It means the end of the mid-race car swap that has been a fixture of Formula E since its debut in 2014.
The Gen2 will have a top speed of 174 mph thanks to an increase in the maximum power output.
Photos: Formula E unveil next generation car in Geneva
PHOTO: FIA Formula E
The Gen2 will have a top speed of 174 mph thanks to an increase in the maximum power output.
It will also have a new LED strip which allows fans to follow the drivers' race modes and tactics.
Photos: Formula E unveil next generation car in Geneva
PHOTO: FIA Formula E
It will also have a new LED strip which allows fans to follow the drivers' race modes and tactics.
Todt said: "Formula E will continue to push the development of electric vehicle technology, and this car is an important milestone in this journey."
Photos: Formula E unveil next generation car in Geneva
PHOTO: FIA Formula E
Todt said: "Formula E will continue to push the development of electric vehicle technology, and this car is an important milestone in this journey."

But no sooner had Massa climbed out of an F1 cockpit than he was signing a contract with Venturi to be its main driver for the 2019 Formula E season.

READ: Felipe Massa races the fastest animal on earth

READ: Formula E 2019 – ‘The most competitive championship in the world’

“I love to race,” Massa told CNN’s Supercharged show at the Venturi launch in Monaco. “And it was the right time to stop Formula One.

“I’m really happy with my decision but I wanted to keep racing, so I think Formula E is the championship that is growing more.

“I like new challenges so it’s definitely a new challenge for me – and I’m looking forward for this new experience in Formula E, especially with the Venturi team.”