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Formula 1 will lose one of the best riders. The two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, announced that he would retire at the end of the 2018 season.
Alonso's future in F1 has long been speculated. The 37-year-old rider once revealed that the race became increasingly boring, which made his passion decrease.
Alonso himself no longer won the race after winning in Catalunya with Ferrari in 2013. After moving to McLaren in 2015, Alonso even struggled to just finish the top five. Even so, Alonso had a brilliant career when he became world champion in 2005 and 2006 with Renault.
Alonso's debut occurred at the 2001 Australian GP when racing for Minardi. After 17 years, Alonso will finish his career after the race at the Abu Dhabi GP on November 25.
"After 17 very beautiful years in this amazing sport, it's time for me to make a change and move on with life," Alonso revealed in a statement released by McLaren as quoted by BBC Sport.
"I made this decision a few months ago, and this decision is unanimous. There are still a number of Grand Prix to play this season, and I will race with greater commitment and passion than ever before."
"Let's just look at the future; new challenges are ahead. I'm having one of the happiest times of my life but I need to explore new adventures.