Massa: 'Perhaps best for Alonso to leave F1'

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Fernando Alonso is understandably disgruntled about the sorry state of his affairs in Formula 1 as he endures the worst season in his sixteen-year career in Grand Prix racing.

As he faces an uncertain future in F1, with only very limited opportunities for 2018, many believe the Spaniard will call it a day and perhaps embark on a full season in IndyCar, having sampled the US series in an impressive run at the Indy 500.

Felipe Massa, who raced alongside Alonso at Ferrari, says he knows why the 35-year-old is complaining.

"Fernando is complaining about F1 because he does not have a good car," he told Spain's El Confidencial.

"F1 is the same now as it was in the 80s," explained Massa.

"Now with Liberty we are going in the right direction to attract people, but with the cars we still do not make a difference because the gaps between Mercedes and Ferrari and the rest is too great.

"Small teams should be given more opportunity, but until another Concorde Agreement is signed in 2020 it will be impossible," he added.

Massa 'happy to continue' in 2018

Following his successful Indy endeavor, Alonso vaunted the experience, underlining the relaxed atmosphere which prevails in the US series.

"In F1, everyone is looking for some controversy with what you say," Alonso said.

"Or thinking about the future rather than the weekends, because you already know who will be the top 15 in qualifying and the race," he added.

So when asked if Alonso's complaining means the time has come for the Spaniard to leave F1, Massa answered: "I think it depends on a lot of things.

"But I think if you're not having a good time, it's best to leave. He does not seem to be enjoying much right now, so maybe he will.

"Maybe he will go to another team or take on other challenges outside of Formula 1," Massa added.

"It's something we don't know."

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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.