'Incredible' Alonso compared to Schumacher by ex-Ferrari chief

Former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali believes Fernando Alonso's skill as a driver should be remembered favourably in comparison to Michael Schumacher, the Spaniard having gone close to leading the Scuderia to unlikely title-winning glory against Red Bull in the early 2010s.

Sebastian Vettel enjoyed the dominant car between 2010-2013 and took four world titles, with only Juan Manuel Fangio and the legendary Schumacher ahead of him.

Alonso has previously said becoming an icon of motorsport can be achieved by surpassing Schumacher's seven world titles or winning the 'Triple Crown', which he will aim for with a likely move to IndyCar in 2019.

Comparing Schumacher and Alonso's Ferrari eras, Domenicali told F1's 'Beyond the Grid' podcast: "I rate Fernando an incredible driver.

"The difference from these two periods is from one side we had the best team ever in terms of positions in all the roles, in terms of performance, in terms of drivers.

"When Fernando was with Felipe [Massa] the car unfortunately was not the best for a lot of reasons and, despite that, we were able to get close to win championships - I would say very unlucky we didn't win 2010 and 2012 for two different reasons.

"Despite that we were able to arrive at the end fighting for the championship and this is an element that is not taken for granted because top drivers need to have a good car."

Comparing the pair directly, Domenicali added: "I would say, as always, in terms of numbers, Michael. But Fernando… don't forget that he was able to win and he was able to get closer to be very successful also with Ferrari.

"In my view, first of all Michael has finished his career, Fernando not yet, so let's see if he will be able to win the so called 'Triple Crown'. I hope for him he can do it.

"But for sure it would have been nice to see them competing with the same car to see who was the best."

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