Despite suggesting a Formula 1 return in 2020 was possible this past weekend, now Fernando Alonso has claimed the “time has come to move on” after the Abu Dhabi GP.
The Spaniard announced he would be retiring from the sport back in August and has often made it clear that the current state of racing in F1 isn’t what it used to be, likely partly driven by his own lack of competitiveness in recent years.
Even though Alonso seemingly isn’t ready to completely rule out the possibility of a future comeback, his comments ahead of the finale at Yas Marina do point to a driver content that his 314th Grand Prix weekend will be his last.
“Abu Dhabi will certainly be a very emotional race for me, as it will be the end of a long and happy 17 years in Formula 1,” he said in his preview.
“The time has come for me to move on, but I’m looking forward to ending the season – and my F1 career – on a positive note.
“I’m fully focussed on this weekend in Abu Dhabi, and making the most of every day – in the car, with the team, and with my friends and family.”
His 2018 season could well be a mini representation if his entire career with a strong start but the 37-year-old has just one points finish since the summer break and it’s unlikely things will change at Yas Marina.
“Abu Dhabi is a tough circuit, but we don’t have anything to lose, so both Stoffel [Vandoorne] and I will be fighting hard as always,” Alonso concluded.
For teammate Vandoorne, this is also his last F1 race before a move to Formula E with HWA for Season 5, starting next month in Riyadh.
“Although I’ve spent two years as an F1 driver with McLaren, I’ve been with the team for five years and call many of them my friends,” he commented.
“I’ve built a great relationship with McLaren and it’s been a significant part of my life.
“My final Grand Prix as a McLaren driver on Sunday will be sentimental, but also the right time to say goodbye to this chapter in my career.”