Massa: On pure talent Michael and Fernando on same level

The Brazilian who retired from F1 at the end of the last season spoke about his two former teammates during the TV show "Conversa com Bial" and the comparisons provide some interesting insight to the two great drivers.

Massa spent 2006 as Schumacher's teammate before partnering Kimi Raikkonen from 2007 until the end of 2009. Alonso arrived at Maranello in 2010 where he spent four seasons as Massa's teammate.

When asked to compare the two drivers during the TV show, Massa said, "As for pure talent, I would put Michael and Fernando on the same level. 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."

"I have to admit - it was not easy to live by his side. I had a close relationship with Michael. 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," added Massa, echoing the general consensus in the F1 paddock.