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Felipe Massa reckons Kimi Raikkonen's struggles compared to Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso this season are more psychological than anything to do with the set-up of the Finn's Formula 1 car.

Alonso has outqualified Raikkonen 14 times in 16 F1 races so far in 2014, and is 94 points better off in the drivers' championship, having been beaten only once by Raikkonen in races in which they have both finished.

The Finn has said repeatedly that he has struggled to find a set-up he is happy with on the F14 T, though Ferrari team principal Marco Mattiacci recently defended Raikkonen, claiming his form has improved over the last few races, despite a continuing paucity of results.

Williams racer Massa, whom Raikkonen replaced at Ferrari this season, reckons the 2007 world champion's ongoing difficulties have more to do with the mental challenge of being Alonso's team-mate.

"It is not easy to be his [Alonso's] team-mate, and for sure the problem Kimi is having [this year] is in his head," Massa said.

"It's very difficult [to be his team-mate], because first of all he [Alonso] is an amazing driver; his talent is really complete.

"He's one of the quickest drivers, but also one of the most consistent drivers, one of the more aggressive - he has everything. He is a top driver."

