Fernando Alonso, who raced for 17 years in Formula 1, is set to leave the sport next year.
McLaren is set to part ways with Alonso. The Spaniard – who won 32 races, 22 pole positions and 97 podiums to date including two championships in 2005 and 2006 – announced his retirement from F1.
Alonso joined the sport in 2001, which he expresses to F1: “You were not expecting me and I wasn’t sure I wanted to get to know you.” He has been on the F1 grid since 2003.
He said on his retirement, “After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on.
“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.
“I want to thank everyone at McLaren. My heart is with the team forever. 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.”
McLaren Executive on the decision
Zak Brown, CEO McLaren F1, showed gratitude to Alonso for his contribution to McLaren and F1.
He said: “Fernando is not only an outstanding ambassador for McLaren but also for Formula 1. His 17 years in the sport, as arguably the pre-eminent driver of his generation and undoubtedly an F1 great, have added another layer to Formula 1’s rich history.
“There is a time for everyone to make a change and Fernando has decided the end of this season to be his. We respect his decision, even if we believe he is in the finest form of his career. Our open dialogue with Fernando has meant we could plan for this eventuality.
“While evaluating his future during the past months, Fernando’s competitiveness has been undimmed. He has continued to perform at the highest level throughout, as we know he will do in the remaining nine races of this year’s championship.
