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Silverstone, UK - Felipe Massa has warned it is possible Brazil will fall out of Formula 1 altogether at the end of 2016.
Bernie Ecclestone has warned that the Interlagos race is endangered, while F1 veteran Massa himself is out of contract at Williams.
Also ending is fellow Brazilian Felipe Nasr's deal at Sauber, including the struggling Sauber team's deal with his major Brazilian backer Banco do Brasil.
Patriotic Brazilians
Massa, 35, told UOL Esporte: "In my opinion, it would be sad not having any Brazilian drivers in F1 anymore nor a Brazilian grand prix.
"I hope it doesn't happen but if it does, it will of course be sad not only for Brazil but also motorsport.".
Massa said the biggest blow for Brazil would be the departure of local drivers to cheer on in F1, because the country is fiercely patriotic.
READ: Bernie - 'One or two' Euro F1 races to be axed
Massa explained: "Brazilians want to see sports with other Brazilians participating.
"To tell you the truth, I had never watched surfing in my life, but today I watched it because a Brazilian was there. We're like that."
He said the problem is the economic situation in Brazil and how it has affected the development of motor racing.
"We've known we have a crisis in motor sport for a long time, and if it happens this will be the end result. The base is always important for any country."