Ferrari announces the departure of Fernando Alonso

The first step regarding the future of Fernando Alonso was officially reached this Thursday morning, with the announcement of the departure of the double Spanish world champion from Team Ferrari at the end of the season.

“Among the procession of great Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso will always occupy a special place, said Team Principal, Marco Mattiacci. We send him our sincere thanks for what has been an extraordinary adventure over the last five years. Twice, he came very close to winning the world championship. » The 33-year-old driver has in fact failed twice very close to the world title with the Scuderia in 2010, during the incredible final in Abu Dhabi, and in 2012 in Brazil, each time beaten by the Red Bull de Sebastian Vettel.

The old pilot Renault leaves Maranello crowned with eleven victories, but also 44 podiums for the Italian team. For several seasons, Alonso has also suffered from the weaknesses of the red single-seaters, often preventing him from fighting on equal terms with the competition from Red Bull and then from Mercedes. The Spanish driver admits to having had some real strong moments with Ferrari, while recalling that he has always worked for the good of the team.

“Today is not an easy day for me, because although I always look to the future with great enthusiasm and determination, at the end of this season I will no longer be a Ferrari driver, explains the native of Oviedo. It was a difficult decision to make, but one taken carefully, and my love for Ferrari was a primary consideration. I have always had the chance to make my own decisions about my future and I have that opportunity again. I have to thank the team for understanding my position. I am leaving Scuderia Ferrari after five years, where I reached my best professional level, with great challenges that pushed me to find new limits.

I have also proven to be a real team player, putting the interests of the Scuderia before my own. When I had to make important decisions about my future, I made it with Ferrari, driven by my love for the team. I am very proud of what we have accomplished together. Thank you for the efforts of the men and women of Maranello. It’s family rather than friends that I leave behind. Now I look to the future with great enthusiasm, knowing that part of my heart will always belong to the prancing horse. I would like to thank each and everyone of the team for the trust they have shown in me. »

All eyes are now focused on the decision to McLaren, expected no earlier than December 1st, to find out if the Spaniard will actually return to Woking.