Alonso 'as good as Schumacher'

Fernando Alonso has as much "pure talent" as seven-time champion and Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher, according to Felipe Massa, who teamed with both at Ferrari. Alonso ended Schumacher's dominance of F1 in the early part of the century, winning back to back titles with Renault.

Alonso's thrilling overtake on Schumacher at the 130R corner during the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix was seen as a 'passing of the torch' moment, with Alonso going on to become the youngest world champion in F1 history to that point by the end of the year.

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have since lowered that benchmark, as well as overtaking many more statistical milestones in Alonso's career as his switch to McLaren has prevented him from collecting accolades in the past three and a half years.

Although his early goal of matching, and possibly eclipsing, Schumacher has failed to materialise, Massa says Alonso can still consider himself an equal of the German icon.

"As for pure talent, I would put Michael and Fernando on the same level," Massa told Brazilian TV show Conversa com Bial.

"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."

Alonso is set to make an announcement on Tuesday, which has come supplemented with much teasing from IndyCar amid widespread reports that he could switch to the American series in 2019 as he goes in search of the 'Triple Crown' by winning the Indianapolis 500.

The fact that Alonso has not been mentioned in serious conversation for available seats at Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull this year and Massa agrees with Christian Horner that factors away from the veteran's driving skill explain why he could leave F1.

"I have to admit – it was not easy to live by his side," Massa said. "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."