Massa says Alonso 'not correct' to miss Monaco

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Fernando Alonso's trip to the Indy 500 has drawn a huge amount of interest, with many, including F1i, praising the Spaniard's bold initiative.

But Felipe Massa disagrees, and believes his former Ferrari team mate's decision to snub the Monaco Grand Prix for a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is wrong.

"For sure not," he told Fox Sport. "I think that's not correct anyway.

"To be honest you’re racing in the most important category in the world, for a big team, and then you’re not doing Monaco to do another championship race – it’s not correct.

"For sure they have different reasons for that, Fernando and Honda, whatever.

"I really respect Fernando for what he’s doing, something that will be completely new for him, very challenging. But it’s not correct.

"You can ask any team boss in F1 in all history, you stop to one race in the championship that you’re doing and you’re very committed to do another championship, it’s not correct.

"But as I said, they have many reasons to do that."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.