Felipe Massa to retire from Formula One at end of 2016 season after 15 years in the sport

FELIPE MASSA has called time on his Formula One career - paving the way for Jenson Button to move back to Williams.

The Brazilian has announced his decision to retire from Formula One at the end of the season after 15 years in the sport with Sauber, Ferrari and Williams.

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The 35 year-old has not has his contract with the Grove-based team renewed - opening up a space for Button to return to the team where he made his debut in 2000.

Massa's decision comes exactly 10 years on from when his mentor Michael Schumacher confirmed he would retire at the end of the 2006 season.

Massa said: "After 27 years in my career, since I started racing go-karts, this will be my last season in Formula One.

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"I want to say thank you everyone who has helped me during my career, my teams, family, wife and father."

Button is still waiting to hear if he will be offered a new contract at McLaren, with insiders fearing he will be given the axe in favour of highly-rated Stoffel Vandoorne.

But Williams have already said they would not be willing to wait around for the Brit to make his decision.