1979 Formula 1 world champion Jody Scheckter believes many have 'overrated' Fernando Alonso throughout his career, citing the Spaniard's controversial 17-year stay in the series.
Alonso announced on Tuesday he would be leaving Formula 1 in search of new adventures, leading many to believe he could be heading to the IndyCar series where he can challenge for the missing part of the 'triple crown' of motorsport, the Indy 500.
Taking two world titles, 32 victories, 22 pole positions and 97 podium appearances, many claim Alonso to be a legend of F1, despite what he could have achieved had he not caused a lot of controversy throughout his career.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Scheckter said."I like to just think how many championships somebody's won. You can rate people that they had bad luck and bad cars.
"I think people overrate him.
"One of his problems is he seems to upset teams and everybody around him. That's not the way to win world championships.
"You've got to work with your team and you're nearly a leader as a driver."
When the news reached former team-mate, Felipe Massa. the Brazilian called Alonso on social media, a talent equal to that of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher. Scheckter refused to agree with the comparison made by Massa.
"For me, absolutely they are not level," added the South African.
"Schumacher has got to be rated as the best driver ever. Alonso I don't think he's in that category.
"That's not to say he's not a good driver. He's one of the top drivers there now."
Alonso's next race is at the Six Hours of Silverstone for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship before heading off to Spa-Francorchamps to begin the first of his final nine F1 races.
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