Felipe Massa will miss "driving the most incredible car in the world" as his retirement from Formula One draws ever closer.

The 2008 runner-up in the drivers' championship will call time on his F1 career after this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, bringing to an end 15 years in the sport.

At the age of 35, Massa has decided enough is enough and is "proud" of his decision to step away after this weekend in the United Arab Emirates.

Massa's final Friday practice sessions saw him finish ninth and 10th fastest respectively in the Williams and he will hope Sunday brings him some points to go out on a high.

Of all the things the Brazilian said he is going to miss, not surprisingly the top one is the cars - Massa having driven for Sauber, Ferrari and Williams during his career.

"I will miss many things in Formula 1, [mostly] I will miss driving the most incredible car in the world," he told team sponsor Martini.

"I'm sure this weekend I will never forget, I know this will be the last weekend in Formula 1, this place, this area, this country definitely will be a very special weekend for me.

"You need to understand the right time and I think it is the right time, I'm really proud of my decision, I'm really proud for everything I passed through and learned, being part of this world is a big life experience."

Rounding off an impressive and eventful 15 years in F1, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix comes after a final race in his home city of Sao Paulo earlier this month, where title sponsor Martini dedicated its iconic logo to the racing driver, replacing Martini with Massa on his car – a gesture of thanks for "always being such a good sport".