Beyond 2017, however, Alonso's future is wide open. He is said to have already had talks with Renault, but what everyone with designs on winning seems to want are Ferrari and Mercedes.
Lauda doubts either of them are options for the 35-year-old Alonso.
"He left a lot of trouble with his teams when he left," Lauda said. "I don't think Ferrari wants to have him again. He left with a contract. The same thing happened with us (McLaren-Mercedes). We (Mercedes) have drivers who do their job, so if we win with Hamilton and Bottas, we don't need a replacement."
Nonetheless, Lauda said Alonso's talent is beyond dispute.
"He is fast, aggressive -- in this way, he is the best," Lauda said. "But unfortunately, drivers sometimes cannot prove they are the best by the decisions they make, and Alonso has made many mistakes. He left Ferrari very early and decided to go to McLaren, but the problem with Honda's engine development was already known. Now he's disappointed, but going to McLaren was his decision."
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Niki Lauda does not believe Fernando Alonso is in 2018 plans for Ferrari, Mercedes