The McLaren driver will end a career that began with a debut for Minardi at the Australian Grand Prix of 2001. Alonso, 37, who is competing in his 17th F1 season, won the 2005 and 2006 championships when racing for Renault.
“After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport it’s time for me to make a change and move on,” he said.”I made this decision some months ago and it was a firm one. There are still several grands prix to go this season, and I will take part in them with more commitment and passion than ever,” he added.
He joined Toyota’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) programme this season with the aim of winning Le Mans, and has dovetailed it with F1.That victory provided him with the second part of motorsport’s ‘triple crown’. Twice a Monaco Grand Prix winner, he is only missing Indianapolis 500 success.
“I want to thank everyone at McLaren,” he said. “My heart is with the team forever.
