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Saying Goodbye To F1
Fernando Alonso to leave Formula 1 at end of 2018

Former F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has confirmed in a somewhat expected-but-not-so-expected announcement that he will be stepping away from Formula 1 at the end of the current season. “After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on,” Alonso said in his statement, illustrated by a self-produced video of himself reading a “letter to F1”. Much to McLaren’s relief, the former world champion did say that he will continue to take part in the several remaining Grands Prix in the season  “with more commitment and passion than ever.”

In his F1 career to date, the Spaniard has brought home the Driver’s Championship twice — in 2005 and 2006 with Renault facing off the indomitable Michael Schumacher as the youngest world champion at the time — and the championship runner-up three times, with a current record of 32 wins, 22 pole positions and 97 podium finishes. This current season marks his fifth with McLaren, where he is currently placed at ninth on the driver’s championship chart.

Alonso evidently made the decision a few months ago and seems to be ready to explore new adventures in motorsport, exhibiting interest in obtaining motorsport’s ‘triple crown’ after winning the Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota in his first attempt this year. In May 2017 he also mustered up a challenge at the Indianapolis 500, but did not finish the race due to engine failure – echoing a lot of his recent F1 endeavours. However, he leaves the question of a potential Schumacher-esque return to F1 open, saying “it could be the right moment for me to be back in the series” if the team from Woking comes back stronger and better in the future.

The future is anyone’s guess – but for now, we’ll be sure to miss Fernando’s antics and team radio sound bites. Vaya con dios, Fernando!

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