Felipe Massa: Lewis Hamilton 'one of the best' in F1 history

The Brazilian F1 driver said that his Compatriot Senna was an idol of his, but said that Hamilton "lacks nothing to Senna or Schumacher or any name in the history of world motor sport."

Speaking to TV programme Bem Amigos, Massa added: "What he has shown, with the number of grands prix he has contested and the records he has already broken, is impressive...He is undoubtedly one of the best drivers in Formula 1 history."

Speaking about his recently announced second retirement, the 36-year-old said he was happy with the way he had driven this year, but did not feel he would be able to compete for a championship going forward with his team's car, next season.

Though he had hoped for an improved car in 2018, he said: "I have information about next year's car from inside the team. It will not be a car to win the championship, but it is better than the last two years, which were not competitive cars."