Alonso targets Indy 500 title after F1 goodbye
FERNANDO ALONSO looks set for a move to IndyCar racing after announcing he’ ll retire from Formula One at the end of the season.
The Spaniard, the youngest F1 champion when he won the first of his two world titles in 2005, said he’d taken the decision to leave McLaren “months ago”.
Alonso, 37, is currently racing in his 17th season in F1 and having added the 24 Hours of Le Mans title to Monaco Grand Prix glory earlier this year, he could complete the Triple Crown of motorsport by winning the Indianapolis 500.
Alonso, who did not rule out returning to F1 down the line, said: “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.
“After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport it’s time for me to make a change and move on.
“I made this decision 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.”
Among those in the frame to replace Alonso is British teenager Lando Norris.
The 18-year-old Bristolian is McLaren’s reserve driver and currently sits second in the Formula Two championship.