Alonso is not a trouble-maker, says former team-mate

Fernando Alonso is not a trouble-maker and could not have been a better driving partner, according to the Spaniard's former team-mate, Giancarlo Fisichella, whose opinion is in contrast to that of Christian Horner, who reckons he is more trouble than he's worth.

Last week, Alonso announced he would be leaving Formula One in order to pursue World Endurance Championship success, but before he decided to leave he was tipped to leave McLaren at the end of the season.

With Daniel Ricciardo confirmed to leave Red Bull at that point, Alonso was linked to replace him only for Horner to come out and say that although he respects the two-time world champion, he can often cause trouble within the team.

Fisichella disputes this, and claims the team atmosphere was good when he partnered Alonso.

"We shared two very nice years together," Fisichella told the El Mundo Deportivo.

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"There was an atmosphere in the team that I had never encountered before. We were friends and we got along very well. Together we won everything. We had an optimal relationship and friendship."

Another driver who has stuck the boot into Alonso slightly has been Felipe Massa, who reveals that it was "not easy" to be in the same team as him, and that he can create dissension in the team.

"I have to admit, it was not easy to live by his side," Massa claimed last week.

"He can split a team. We saw that in many racing teams he drove for. Maybe he could have made more of his talent without this trait,"