Massa doubts Alonso's title credentials

Felipe Massa does not think former team-mate Fernando Alonso will win the 2018 title with McLaren next season, but did reserve some praise for the Spaniard, insisting he is the best driver he has has with in his time in Formula One.

Massa is set to retire from F1 at the end of the season following the final Grand Prix at Abu Dhabi, after which he will move on to Formula E.

In an emotional end to the Brazil GP in Sao Paulo, he held off Alonso's advances in the final few laps and, in an interview with Spanish publication AS, he stated his belief that Alonso is at the very top of the list.

“Fernando, the first, that’s clear, " he told AS.

"I would say [Michael] Schumacher was at a similar level, the same as Lewis [Hamilton].

"After that Vettel is a great driver but at a lower level and also maybe [Max] Verstappen, although he lacks consistency."

Despite the obvious respect Massa has for Alonso, he does not think the current McLaren driver will be able to claim the 2018 title ahead of the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari.

"Next year will be better for him but he will not fight for the title."

Massa went on to discuss the fortunes of his current team-mate, Lance Stroll, who has come under criticism from his compatriot, Jacques Villeneuve, over his performances this past season.

“He has improved a lot since the season began until now, he has got much better but it is too early to judge him. I think he has a good future in F1, but it depends on him, in the second or third year we will see where he is.”

Massa's final race in Formula One will take place this weekend in Abu Dhabi.