Felipe Massa admits he ‘suffered’ more with Fernando Alonso than Michael Schumacher at Ferrari

Felipe Massa highlighted that his time in F1 was much tougher while racing alongside Fernando Alonso compared to Michael Schumacher.

Felipe Massa admits he ‘suffered’ more with Fernando Alonso than Michael Schumacher at Ferrari

Fernando Alonso, Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa. ( images via IMAGO)

Felipe Massa joined Ferrari in 2006 to replace Ruben Barrichello as Michael Schumacher’s teammate. The Brazilian achieved his first podiums in Formula 1 that year, a third place at the Nürburgring, with two P2 results at Indianapolis and Hockenheim. Massa, driving along with the seven-time-world champion, developed a strong bond in their single season together.

Recently, Felipe Massa discussed his life at Ferrari he explained that being Michael Schumacher’s teammate was a challenging experience for him. Schumacher was top driver at Ferrari with his seven titles achieved. Because of his influence, everything at Ferrari seemed to revolve around him. This made it difficult for any other driver, like Massa, to establish themselves or receive the same level of support.

It’s not easy because you know you’re alongside the number one [Michael Schumacher] and everything the power a driver like that has is very big within the team.
Felipe Massa told UOL Esporte
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However, Massa mentioned that driving alongside Schumacher was not as tough as it was with his later teammate Fernando Alonso. During his time with Alonso, Massa felt that he struggled even more. He faced greater challenges and pressure compared to his experience with Schumacher. He explained that racing at the 2010 German GP alongside the Spaniard was his one of the saddest days. As the Brazilian driver was forced to give the race lead to Alonso due to team orders.

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But I think that at the time, I suffered a lot more with [Fernando] Alonso than with him for example.
Felipe Massa added.
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Felipe Massa explained that when Schumacher decided to do something, the team would always follow his lead no matter what. This made working at Ferrari challenging because it wasn’t always easy for Massa to have his own ideas or plans. He often had to accept decisions that were difficult for him, even if he felt they weren’t in his best interest. This made his job harder and required him to deal with situations that weren’t easy to handle.

If he decides to do something, the team will do it. Then at work, it’s not easy and sometimes you have to swallow some things which are not easy.
Felipe Massa stated
Felipe Massa
Felipe Massa (via IMAGO)

Certainly, Massa’s time at Ferrari with Michael Schumacher was challenging not because of their personal relationship, but because he had such a strong influence. Schumacher’s status as a seven-time world champion was enough for the team respecting his decisions over any input from the Brazilian.

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