---
title: "Alonso to leave F1 at the end of the season"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2018/08/14/alonso-to-retire-from-f1-at-the-end-of-2018/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Kyran Gibbons"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2018-08-14T15:31:57Z"
modified: "2018-08-15T07:41:58Z"
---

# Alonso to leave F1 at the end of the season

McLaren has announced that two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso will leave the series at the end of the 2018 season.

Winning his drivers’ championship titles in 2005 and ’06 while at Renault, Alonso’s 17-year F1 career has included 32 race victories. His last win, however, was the Spanish Grand Prix in 2013 while driving for Ferrari.

Moving from Ferrari for a second spell at McLaren at the start of 2015, as the Woking-based team began a renewed partnership with Honda, Alonso has failed to score a podium since as the team has not finished higher than sixth in the constructors’ championship.

“After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on,” said Alonso.

“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.

Speculation regarding the 37-year-olds future had included a potential move to IndyCar on a full-time basis, with McLaren heavily rumoured to be evaluating options to enter as a new team.

Alonso and McLaren competed at the 2015 Indianapolis 500 as a one-off entry, leading the race before an engine failure curtailed their progress.

Having claimed victory for Toyota at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, Alonso only needs a win at the Indy 500 to achieve motorsport’s unofficial Triple Crown – a title he covets.

In the announcement, neither Alonso nor McLaren confirmed their future plans.

![Mark Thompson/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2018/08/1006729064.jpg)

“Let’s see what the future brings; new exciting challenges are around the corner,” Alonso added. “I’m having one of the happiest times ever in my life but I need to go on exploring new adventures.

“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.

“I would also like to thank my former teams, team-mate, 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.”

McLaren team boss Zak Brown added; “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. Our open dialogue with Fernando has meant we could plan for this eventuality.

“On behalf of Shaikh Mohammed, Mansour and our entire board, we wish Fernando every success in the future.”

McLaren now has two seats up for grabs ahead of the 2019 season.

Incumbent Stoffel Vandoorne is believed to be in contention to be resigned, while Carlos Sainz Jr could end up at the team if Red Bull does not use their option to hire him as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement.