Scheckter: Alonso overrated by Formula One world

Former Formula One world champion Jody Scheckter believes that Fernando Alonso has been overrated in terms of his Formula One achievements. The two-time world champion announced on Tuesday that he would not continue in F1 beyond the current season.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Scheckter explained that the divisive nature of Fernando Alonso prevents him from being recognised as an all-time great of F1.

“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).

“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.”

The F1 world largely regard Alonso as a talent wasted by ill-timed career moves, leaving teams who later found success. It means that he will leave Formula One with just two world titles to his name, a number that doesn't tell the whole truth about an incredibly talented driver.