Brazilian Grand Prix 2006 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Felipe Massa delivered an emotional home victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix season finale, dominating from pole position at Interlagos while the sport bid a tearful farewell to Michael Schumacher, whose illustrious 16-year Formula 1 career ended with a frustrating fourth-place finish after a late puncture. The race marked the end of an era as the seven-time world champion and 91-time race winner completed his final lap to a standing ovation from the entire paddock, closing the book on the most successful career in Formula 1 history. Already-crowned champion Fernando Alonso finished second to cap his title-winning season, while Jenson Button's third place provided Honda with a rare moment of celebration in an otherwise difficult year.

Starting from pole position with a lap of 1:10.680, the 25-year-old Massa produced a flawless performance in front of his adoring Brazilian fans at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, controlling the race from start to finish with the composure and speed that had marked his breakthrough season. The victory was profoundly emotional for Massa, coming at the circuit named after his childhood hero and establishing him as Ferrari's future leader in the post-Schumacher era. The young Brazilian had claimed his maiden F1 victory at Turkey earlier in the season and consistently demonstrated the pace to match his legendary teammate, earning the right to inherit Schumacher's mantle. As Massa took the checkered flag, the Interlagos crowd erupted in celebration for their new champion, even as they prepared to say goodbye to the sport's greatest-ever driver.

Schumacher's final race began with promise as he ran strongly in podium contention, but a puncture caused by debris on lap 49 forced an unscheduled pit stop that dropped him to fourth at the checkered flag, denying the legend the fairy-tale podium finish that would have been a fitting farewell. True to form, Schumacher responded by setting the fastest lap of 1:12.162, one final reminder of the raw speed and competitive fire that had brought him seven world championships, 91 victories, and redefined what was possible in Formula 1. As the German crossed the finish line for the final time, the entire F1 community rose as one to applaud a career that had transcended the sport. Alonso's second place completed a championship season built on consistency and maturity, vindicating his decision to defend his title despite Schumacher's late charge. Button's podium gave Honda a much-needed morale boost. The 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix marked more than just the end of a season - it signaled the close of an era dominated by one man, leaving Formula 1 to forge a new path without its defining figure.