1979 F1 world champion Jody Scheckter believes many critics have ‘overrated’ Fernando Alonso. The South African citing the Spaniard’s controversial 17-year stay in the series as an example.

On Tuesday, Alonso announced that he would be leaving Formula 1 in search of new adventures. This has led many to believe he could be heading to the IndyCar series. If this holds true, he can try and complete the ‘triple crown’ of motorsport by winning the Indy 500.

Having taken two world titles, 32 victories, 22 pole positions and 97 podium appearances, many claim that Alonso is an F1 legend. The revelation comes inspite of all the ‘what could have beens’ in his controversy-filled career.

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.”

Former team-mate, Felipe Massa claimed that Alonso is a talent equal to that of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher. However, Scheckter did not agree to Massa’s extraordinary claim.

“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.”

This year, Fernando Alonso has a packed schedule, juggling Formula One and World Endurance Championship duties. His next race is the Six Hours of Silverstone for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship. After that, he will head off to Spa-Francorchamps to begin the first of his final nine F1 races.