Saturday 1 November at 12:01 : Nov.1 (GMM) Felipe Massa's father, Luiz Antonio, nearly had to miss the Interlagos championship showdown this weekend due to a medical problem

It has emerged that Massa Snr, who bears a striking resemblance to the 27-year-old Ferrari driver albeit carrying a few extra pounds, was in hospital earlier this week to have kidney stones removed

Luiz Antonio recovered in time, however, to see his son get off to a rapid start on Friday at Interlagos, where he must win the race with Lewis Hamilton lower than fifth to be crowned world champion

Also at the circuit this weekend will be Massa's mother Ana Elena, sister Fernanda and wife Rafaela Bassi

"Having the family together is very important," Massa said