McLaren’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso attends the German Formula One Grand Prix at the Hockenheim racing circuit on July 22, 2018 in Hockenheim, southern Germany. AFP PHOTO / Andrej ISAKOVIC
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso announced on Tuesday that he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season after his recent struggles with underachieving McLaren.
The 37-year-old Spaniard — who has 32 Grand Prix wins to his credit in 17 seasons — has become increasingly disenchanted with Formula One as the once all-powerful McLaren team have fallen way off the pace.
Alonso — who in 2005 became the youngest ever Formula One world champion while driving for Renault before defending his title the following year — has garnered 44 points this season and is ninth in the drivers’ championship.
Alonso went on to drive for McLaren for a year in 2007 followed by a return to Renault and then four years at Ferrari, before beginning his second spell with McLaren in 2015.
“I have seen you (Formula One) changing, sometimes for good, others, in my opinion, for bad,” said Alonso, who on three occasions finished runner-up in the drivers’ championship while at Ferrari.
“And this year, while still driving at my best, is how I want to remember you.”
Alonso, whose best finish for McLaren so far was 10th in 2016, said he would carry on endeavouring to finish with a flourish.
“After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on,” said Alonso in a statement.
“There are still several Grands Prix to go this season, and I will take part in them with more commitment and passion than ever.”
He left the door slightly ajar, saying in a statement posted on the McLaren website he could return when it is “the right moment for me to be back in the series”, but the personal message on his Twitter account sounded like a farewell.
‘Exploring new adventures’
Alonso, whose first win came in the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix but who hasn’t won since the Spanish Grand Prix five years ago, says new challenges await.
The former Ferrari star is known to be keen to complete the ‘Triple Crown’ of world Formula One champion, winning the 24 Hour Le Mans race and the Indy500 — he has achieved the first two of those aims.
“Let’s see what the future brings; new exciting challenges are around the corner,” said Alonso.
“I’m having one of the happiest times ever in my life but I need to go on exploring new adventures.”
McLaren — whose unpopular racing director Eric Boullier resigned in early July — issued a statement bordering on a eulogy to the Spaniard.
“Fernando is not only an outstanding ambassador for McLaren but also for Formula 1,” said Zak Brown, McLaren Racing’s CEO in a statement.
“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.”
During his F1 career, Alonso has also claimed 22 pole positions and 97 podiums.
In a heartfelt address, Alonso spoke of his life-long love of Formula One in a ‘letter’ to the sport posted on his Instagram account.
“When I barely knew how to walk, I ran straight towards your noise, your circuits, without knowing anything about you,” he said.
“We had very good times, some unforgettable, others really bad. We have played together against incredible rivals. You played with me and I learned how to play with you too.
“Every time I close my visor on my helmet, I feel your warm embrace, your energy, there is nothing like it.
“But today, I have some other bigger challenges than those you can offer me.”
Among those in the frame to replace Alonso is British teenager Lando Norris, who serves as McLaren’s reserve driver.