Alonso architect of own missed chances in F1?

[John S]

Well yes if you accept Racefans.net case set out quite comprehensively in the attached article, they also suggest Nando has scuppered his way forward somewhat in Indycars.

Note how many bosses have been forced out following Alonso's tenure at teams,  too many to be coincidental methinks.     

https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/18/another-burned-bridge-could-drive-alonso-nascar/

[Jericoke]

There is more to being 'the best driver' than being the most skilled person on the track.

• A top driver needs to work with their teammates (technical/engineering/marketing team, not necessarily other team drivers).
• A top driver needs to recognize opportunities to associate with the best teams/people, and then seize them.
• A top driver needs to connect with sponsors.  There are plenty of ways to do that.  NASCAR drivers enthuse about their sponsors whenever they can.  Kimi lets his stoic image speak for itself.  They never run down the partners in public.  Hold them accountable, sure, but keep the vitriol behind closed doors.
• A top driver takes responsibility for the people they bring with them into the sport.  Alonso may be completely innocent in 'Crashgate', but he continued to involve Flavio in F1.

Not everyone needs to be Lewis Hamilton who has calculated his public persona.  Nor do they need to be Ricciardo with racing's biggest smile.  Sports fans love passion, so sponsors love passionate drivers.  However, racing is about controlling that passion, so drivers need to know how to put a lid on it.  Alonso just doesn't seem to have that critical element, keeping him from being the Greatest which his on track skill could have provided.