Ahead of Felipe Massa’s final home Grand Prix this weekend, Williams Racing title sponsor Martini has dedicated it’s iconic logo to the driver replacing the MARTINI with MASSA.
Whilst the livery is not the bold helmet inspired design imagined by motorsport designed Tim Holmes, the gesture demonstrates the close relationship Massa, Williams and Martini have developed since the Brazilian joined the team in 2014
How many retweets does it take for @WilliamsRacing to try do this for @MassaFelipe19 at #BrazilianGP? even if just for practice! @f1 #F1 pic.twitter.com/eoufUiBeie
— Tim Holmes (@timholmesdesign) November 2, 2016
The surprise livery change, the first of its kind for a Formula One partner, was revealed to the Brazilian-born driver today at the Autódrome José Carlos Pace track in Sao Paulo. In addition to the famous MARTINI ball and bar logo being replaced with MASSA, the rear wing has also been adorned with the phrase ‘Obrigado’ – which means ‘thank you’ in Portuguese.
“I’ve always said that I drive the best looking car on the grid, but this takes it to a whole other level,” joked Felipe Massa. He continued, “I’ve never known a sponsor to do this for a driver before. It’s an honour and I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit emotional about it. But it goes to show that because of MARTINI’s heritage in racing, they are more than just a sponsor. They are a true partner and fan of this beautiful sport. I’ve been lucky to have them as part of my team the last three years.”
Shane Hoyne, CMO, Bacardi Europe said, “Felipe isn’t just a driver, he’s a friend. And not just to MARTINI but to his teammates and other drivers out there on the grid. We thought it only right that we mark the occasion and give his name pride of place on the car. Obrigado on the rear wing is not just our way of saying thank you to him, but for Felipe to say thank you to all his fans in Sao Paulo.”
Felipe has spoken openly of a dream to thank his home fans with one final podium this weekend. With mixed conditions forecast and tensions simmering amongst the top teams all eyes will be on the Brazilian to realise his dream.
Click here to check out more helmet inspired F1 livery designs from Tim Holmes
Wilde Consulting 