Fernando Alonso will not race in Formula 1 next year in order to ‘explore new adventures’.
The two-time world drivers’ champion has been linked with a potential McLaren IndyCar effort but did not give any detail of his future plans in his announcement.
He did, however, leave open the possibility of returning to F1 in subsequent years.
“After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on,” said Alonso via a statement.
“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.
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“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, teammates, 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.”
The Spaniard’s announcement comes amid yet another frustrating season with McLaren, which has continued to struggle despite an acrimonious split with Honda to take up Renault engines this year.
McLaren boss Zak Brown paid tribute to Alonso, stating, “Fernando is not only an outstanding ambassador for McLaren but also for Formula 1.
“His 17 years in the sport, as arguably the pre-eminent driver of his generation and undoubtedly an F1 great, have added another layer to Formula 1’s rich history.
“There is a time for everyone to make a change and Fernando has decided the end of this season to be his.
“We respect his decision, even if we believe he is in the finest form of his career.”
Alonso skipped last year’s Monaco Grand Prix to race in the Indianapolis 500 in a combined McLaren/Andretti Autosport effort.
The 37-year-old has been forthright about his desire to accomplish motorsport’s ‘triple crown’ of victories in those two races and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Having twice triumphed on the streets of Monte Carlo, he ticked another box in winning at Le Mans this year with Toyota.
For the time being, Alonso has nine races left in his F1 career, starting when the season resumes from the summer break in Belgium on August 24-26.
Dear F1 ….. pic.twitter.com/G9ZzdMwgMn
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) August 14, 2018
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