Fernando Alonso is edging towards the end of his Formula 1 career, according to former Renault teammate Nelson Piquet Jr.
Now 30, the Brazilian's own F1 career ended in 2009, after the explosion of the 'crashgate' scandal that was triggered by his deliberate crash in Singapore.
Alonso went on to win that controversial Singapore race, but Piquet claims that the Spaniard's useful life in F1 is now nearing its own end.
"I think he's the best driver, but he's at the end of his career," Piquet, now the inaugural and reigning champion of Formula E, told AS.
"If you don't have a car to win there is nothing you can do about it. It has happened to me as well - last year I was champion, but this year I'm not ahead."
That aside, however, Piquet says that there is "no comparison" between F1 and the electric single-seater series.
He also believes that F1 has changed almost unrecognisably since his last season in 2009: "They are like different sports."
Asked his opinion about the growing battle between Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari in 2016, Piquet added: "I don't know - I'm no F1 expert."
Alonso currently sits 12th in the driver rankings.
