The Spanish driver Fernando Alonso announced the end of his career in Formula 1, after 17 seasons. The current winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is likely to head to the Indycar in the US next season.
After 17 full seasons in F1, Fernando Alonso hangs up. Since his debut with Minardi in 2001, the Spanish driver, a native of Oviedo, has participated in 303 grand prizes, winning 32 wins, 22 pole positions and 97 podiums. Above all, his career was marked by two world titles, won with Renault, in 2005 and 2006.
McLaren Racing today confirms that double F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso will not race in Formula 1 in 2019. https://t.co/hbOCGZP3E2
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) 14 August 2018
Fernando Alonso went through the McLaren (2007, then from 2015 to 2018) and Ferrari teams from 2010 to 2013. His first stint in the British team was marked by his strong rivalry with Lewis Hamilton. At McLaren since 2015, Fernando Alonso lost all hope of fighting for the title, with a Honda engine surpassed in terms of performance, then with a more complicated car to take in hand this season.
“After 17 wonderful years in this incredible sport, it’s time for me to change and move on. I have enjoyed every minute of these incredible seasons and I can not thank the people who helped make them so special, “said the two-time F1 World Champion. There are still many great prizes to be made this season and I will participate with more commitment and passion than ever before. “
Dear F1 ….. pic.twitter.com/G9ZzdMwgMn
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) 14 August 2018
“New exciting challenges are coming. I’m having one of the happiest moments of my life, but I have to keep 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 would be a good time for me to return to the series; it would make me really happy. I’ve had great relationships with a lot of great people at McLaren and it gave me the opportunity to expand my horizons and run in other categories. I think I am a more complete pilot than ever. “
“Finally, I would also like to thank my former teams, teammates, competitors, colleagues, partners, journalists and all those with whom I have worked in my F1 career. And especially my fans around the world. I am sure that our paths will intersect in the future. “
The Spanish driver was able to console himself, however, with Toyota, going to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans this season. The opportunity for him to consolidate his hopes of winning the triple crown (victory in Monaco or title of F1 champion, victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 500 Miles Indianapolis).
