Fernando Alonso has announced he will be not be racing in Formula 1 in 2019, bringing a 17-year career to an end, for now.
The Spaniard has become increasingly frustrated with the sport in recent years after leaving Ferrari for McLaren in 2015 at the start of what would be a disastrous three-year partnership with Honda.
This year, a switch to Renault engines was thought to be the catalyst to greater competitiveness, possibly even fighting with Red Bull towards the front, instead, an underperforming chassis has left the Woking-based squad still mired in the midfield with little optimism for a quick turnaround.
Unable to challenge for the elusive third F1 title, Alonso has focused his attention on another goal, becoming the second driver to win motorsport’s Triple Crown of the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans 24 Hours and Indianapolis 500.
With two wins around the Principality already to his name, the 37-year-old added Le Mans to his resume in June, as part of his participation with Toyota in the current WEC super-season, leaving just the famous oval race to conquer.
After posting an emotional video on Twitter looking back on his F1 career, Fernando further commented on his decision in a McLaren press release.
“After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on,” he said.
“I have enjoyed every single minute of those incredible seasons and I cannot thank enough the people who have contributed to make them all so special.
“There are still several Grands Prix to go this season, and I will take part in them with more commitment and passion than ever.
“Let’s see what the future brings; new exciting challenges are around the corner. I’m having one of the happiest times ever in my life but I need to go on exploring new adventures.”
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While it is goodbye from F1, it isn’t likely to be goodbye from McLaren as the British team is expected to return full-time to IndyCar next year with Alonso as one of their pilots.
In his statement, the winner of 32 races with his last coming in Barcelona in 2013, Fernando also hinted he could make a comeback should the F1 team improve.
“I want to thank everyone at McLaren. My heart is with the team forever,” he claimed.
“I know they will come back stronger and better in the future and it could be the right moment for me to be back in the series; that would make me really happy.
“I have built so many great relationships with many fantastic people at McLaren, and they have given me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and race in other categories,” he continued, “I feel I am a more complete driver now than ever.”
While previously stating he would be considering his future over the summer break, Alonso concluded by admitting: “I made this decision some months ago and it was a firm one. Nevertheless, I would like to sincerely thank Chase Carey and Liberty Media for the efforts made to change my mind and everyone who has contacted me during this time.
“Finally, I would also like to thank my former teams, teammates, competitors, colleagues, partners, journalists and everyone I have worked with in my F1 career. And, especially, my fans all over the world. I am quite sure our paths will cross again in the future.”
Muchas gracias Fernando.