Massa reveals toughest F1 team mates

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Future retiree Felipe Massa says that Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso were his toughest team mates over the course of his 250-Grand Prix career.

Massa started made his F1 debut in 2002 with Sauber before joining Ferrari in 2006 and then Williams in 2014.

"Alonso always treated me well, we never had problems," Massa said. "But he was always nicer in front of me than behind."

The two men found themselves at odds recently following their spat in the US GP at Austin. But standing next to each on the Mexican GP grid during the national anthem, Alonso offered a warm embrace to his former team mate and rival.

"He looked at me and he was awkward, and gave me hug. Then I looked at him and said, ‘You were a son of a bitch... but I like you.’ Then he started to laugh."

Speaking of Schumacher, who Massa raced with for just one season in 2006, the Brazilian described his relationship with the seven-time world champion as that of a student and his master.

"He was a huge influence in my career and a really good friend. I visited him when he was sleeping. It was not an easy thing," Massa revealed, referring to the German's tragic skiing accident which occurred in 2013.

Needless to say, the Brazilian Grand Prix will be a very special weekend for Massa who will be racing in front of his home crowd for the very last time in Formula 1.

"Interlagos is home. It's the place that I grew up. It will be emotional racing there for the final time on such an amazing track.

"I'm looking forward to enjoying every lap and hopefully I can manage to finish the race with a good result.

"I have won twice at Interlagos and have finished on the podium many times and I hope we can get another one. It won't be easy, but I will do everything I can for my people and for Brazil."

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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.