Fernando Alonso is an F1 great in all ways possible and has enriched the sport with this tenacity, competitive nature and skill.
The Spaniard, who won 2 world titles in his career has decided to call it a day, and has announced that he won’t be competing in Formula 1 from next season on.
He had sent out a teaser to his fans on 11th August, about an announcement that he was going to make today. Fans had speculated a possible retirement announcement, but now that it has been made, it feels a bit unreal to all the onlookers.
Alonso released an emotional statement about his retirement, thanking McLaren in a massive away and also sending a shoutout to his previous teammates, engineers and most importantly to all his fans.
Alonso also acknowledged the efforts put in by Chase Carey and Liberty Media to persuade Alonso to stay in F1. He also admitted that the decision was made a few months back and he felt that this was the correct time to make the announcement.
“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.” Alonso said.
Alonso’s presence on the race track has made so many fans fall in love with the sport. His absence on the starting grid, from the press conferences would be hard to deal with. But, life moves on and hopefully Fernando decided to return to the sport sometime in the future(in whatever capacity).
