Stop press: Alonso stands down from F1
Mclaren confirmed as Autosport was closing for press that Fernando Alonso will not race in Formula 1 in 2019, bringing to an end months of speculation about his place on the grand prix grid. But what is less clear is exactly what he will be doing in
2019, and whether his absence from the F1 grid will be permanent.
The word ‘retire’ was missing from the Mclaren statement, and Alonso made it clear that he is keeping the door open to a return to F1 should the team get back to the front. Next year, he is contracted to Toyota (below) to contest the final three rounds of the World Endurance Championship superseason, which leaves capacity for him to return to the Indianapolis 500 in pursuit of the final leg of the Triple Crown.
“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.
“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. I have built so many great relationships with many fantastic people at Mclaren, and they have given me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and race in other categories. I feel I am a more complete driver now than ever.
“I made this decision some 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.”
Mclaren claims still to be in the ‘decision-making’ process having evaluated a full-time presence in Indycar, which would likely be in association with an existing team.
This means Alonso could still race for Mclaren next year, but not in F1.
Alonso, who has raced for Minardi, Renault, Mclaren and Ferrari, has been ever-present on the F1 grid since his debut at the start of 2001, save for spending the following season on the sidelines as Renault test driver. In that time, he has won 32 grands prix as well as taking the ’05 and ’06 world titles.
Mclaren is understood to be close to a deal to bring Renault refugee Carlos Sainz Jr to the team next season should Red Bull not pick up its option on him next month. Mclaren junior Lando Norris and Stoffel Vandoorne are also in contention for the second seat.