Alonso as talented as Schumacher, but a divisive figure - Massa

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Felipe Massa believes former team mate Fernando Alonso might have extracted more from his outstanding talent without one very negative trait.

Massa spent five seasons alongside the Spaniard at Ferrari, between 2010 and 2014, but also had the privilege of racing alongside Michael Schumacher at the Scuderia in 2006.

Drawing on his specific insight, the Brazilian driver offered an inevitable comparison between the two men.

"As for pure talent, I would put Michael and Fernando on the same level," Massa said.

"Alonso has the gift, the ease, of understanding a race and driving incredibly fast. A highly intelligent driver with extensive skills and I would say all that also about Michael."

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Massa enjoyed a close relationship with Schumacher who never refrained from providing help and guidance to the Brazilian. Having Alonso on the other side of the garage provided a very different experience.

“I have to admit – it was not easy to live by his side. I had a close relationship with Michael," Massa remembers.

"I was young and eager to absorb all the knowledge of a seven-time champion, and Schumacher treated me very well. But I had to wrestle with Fernando in a different way.

"Outside of the race car, I had zero problems with Alonso, we have always maintained a healthy working relationship.

"With Fernando, that’s one thing. If he pulls down his visor, he becomes another person. He can split a team. We saw that in many racing teams he drove for.

"I see that as his problem. Maybe he could have made more of his talent without this trait."

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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.