Massa: It was the worst race of my life

Felipe Massa has described the Japanese Grand Prix as the 'worst race of his life' in the wake of the accident that has left Marussia F1 driver Jules Bianchi in a critical condition in hospital.

Speaking during the pre-event press conference ahead of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, which is taking place just four days after Bianchi's accident at Suzuka, the assembled drivers took the chance to express their views on the events of the past few days with each reflecting the sombre mood in the F1 paddock this weekend.

Indeed, the accident has particular resonance for Massa, the Brazilian suffering a serious head injury during the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009 when he was struck by a suspension spring that has become detached from a car in front of him. However, for him the Japanese Grand Prix has been the hardest race to contend with in his lengthy F1 career.

"It was the worst race of my life," he said. "It was a really bad race. Worse than the race of my accident because I didn't remember it.

"It is so difficult because every day you just think about Jules. It is a very difficult weekend for all of us. Maybe tomorrow will be better because at least we will be working, we will have something to think about, but we will try to race and do the best we can for him and his family."

Having made a successful recovery from his injuries Massa says racing gives him unrivalled pleasure, even if he admits he did consider his F1 future in the wake of his own accident.

"For sure you think about it but it doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. What I love to do is to race and be competing. We know what we do there is risk in this sport, but it is what I like to do and what I feel happy about and gives me motivation and happiness. Sometimes you think about it but then you think about it more and then you understand that this is your work and what you like to do."