Ferrari boss Jean Todt spared a thought for Brazilian driver Felipe Massa on Monday amid celebrations of Kimi Raikkonen's surprise Formula 1 title triumph in Brazil.
Paying tribute to Massa's commitment to Ferrari, Todt appeared to refer to the moment in Sunday's Grand Prix when the Brazilian relinquished the lead in his own country's Grand Prix.
According to most observers, Massa deliberately slowed down near the end of the race to let the second-placed Raikkonen take the lead, and with it the 2007 Formula 1 title.
"I want to congratulate Kimi and thank Felipe, who again yesterday showed his commitment to Ferrari. Without his help we wouldn't have achieved these results," Todt said.
"A dream that seemed impossible was transformed into reality at the end of a race that was handled superbly by drivers and team".
Massa, who has just finished his second season with Ferrari, last week extended his contract with the Italian team by a year. It now takes him until the end of the 2010 season.
Former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher, who won five of his world titles with the Italians, also expressed joy on Monday over the Raikkonen's unexpected success.
"What an incredible ending!" said Schumacher, who watched Sunday's race from his home. "I was so happy to see Kimi and Felipe cross the line. I have always believed you must never stop fighting, even when you only have a tiny chance."
