END OF THE ROAD FOR F1 MASTER
Alonso wants to retire after struggles with McLaren
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.
Written as if to a lover he said: “You were not expecting me and I was not sure if I want to know you.
“When I barely knew how to walk, I ran straight towards the noise, the circuits, without knowing anything about you.
“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.
“I have seen you changing, sometimes for good and sometimes for - in my opinion - bad.
“I know you love me but be sure, I love you too.”