Formula One Star Fernando Alonso to Retire at Season End

London: Formula One star Fernando Alonso has announced that he will retire from the sport at the end of this season.

"After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it's time for me to make a change and move on. 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," Alonso said in a statement on the F1 website.

"Let's see what the future brings; new exciting challenges are around the corner. I'm having one of the happiest times ever in my life but I need to go on exploring new adventures. I want to thank everyone at McLaren. My heart is with the team forever. I know they will come back stronger and better in the future and it could be the right moment for me to be back in the series; that would make me really happy.

"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," he added.

"Finally, I would also like to thank my former teams, team-mates, 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."

The 37-year-old made his debut in 2001 and has been on the grid every year since 2003. He has 32 wins, 22 pole positions and 97 podium positions to his credit. He has amassed a total of 302 Grand Prix starts making him fourth on the all-time list.

He won the F1 title in 2005 and 2006 and finished runner-up three times. But the Spaniard has not enjoyed too much success over the last few years. He has not won an F1 race in five years and the Drivers' World Championship for more than 10 years. IANS