Racing legend Fernando Alonso of MacLaren fame is quitting F1 after the 2018 season.
"I made this decision some months ago and it was a firm one," Alonso said in a statement. "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."
Dear F1 ..... pic.twitter.com/G9ZzdMwgMn
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) August 14, 2018
Speculation says Alonso may join the U.S.' equivalent league, IndyCar, under the MacLaren umbrella, after brief races at the 2017 Indianapolis 600 and Rolex 23 at Daytona. Past interviews have provided clues to his interest in American racing, with references to the Triple Crown, which includes the Indianapolis 500 title.
Alonso is one of the most celebrated racing athletes of all time, winning 32 F1 races and reaching the podium 97 times over his illustrious career. Arguably his most well-known accomplishment was in 2005, where he became the youngest world champion in F1 history at 24 years old.
No word yet on which driver will take Alonso's place for the 2019 season.
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