When Ferrari decided to dispense with Felipe Massa's services after the 2013 season, ending a 12-year association with the Brazilian, his Formula 1 career looked all but over.
On one hand, you could say it was merciful after four woeful seasons in a frontrunning car but on the other, it was a great shame considering the highs the Brazilian reached in the early part of his Ferrari career, peaking with that title challenge in 2008.
Based on the figures, though, Massa's career was nosediving. Why would anyone want to sign a driver who scored just eight podiums in four years, when his team-mate Fernando Alonso managed 42, of which 11 were wins, in the same period? For many, Massa had had his chance in F1 and it was now time to move on.