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Alonso to retire from Formula 1 at end of 2018 season

Writer's picture: Andrew ZarbAndrew Zarb


Formula 1 driver and 2-time World Champion Fernando Alonso has announced that he will be retiring from Formula 1 at the end of this season. Alonso, aged 37, won the World Championship in the 2005 and 2006 seasons when he was driving for Renault. He has won a total of 32 races, finished on the podium a total of 97 times, and claimed 22 pole positions in his 17-year long career.

On his retirement, Alonso said the following:

“After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on. I have enjoyed every single minute of those incredible seasons and I cannot thank enough the people who have contributed to make them all so special.

“There are still several grands prix to go this season, and I will take part in them with more commitment and passion than ever.

“Let’s see what the future brings; new exciting challenges are around the corner. 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.

“Finally, I would also like to thank my former teams, team-mates, competitors, colleagues, partners, journalists and everyone I have worked with in my F1 career. And, especially, my fans all over the world. I am quite sure our paths will cross again in the future.”


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