McLaren has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will not race in Formula 1 next year, though has left the door open for a potential return in 2020.
Alonso's future has been a regular talking point and on Tuesday it was announced that the Spaniard will not race in Formula 1 in 2019, with the two-time champion revealing his mind had been made up several months ago.
Neither McLaren nor Alonso divulged further details regarding their respective 2019 programmes, though Alonso suggested he could return to the championship in the future.
"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.
“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 have built so many great relationships with many fantastic people at McLaren, and they have given me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and race in other categories. I feel I am a more complete driver now than ever.
“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.
“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.”
Alonso made his debut in Formula 1 with Minardi in 2001 and, after a year as Renault's test driver, competed for the French manufacturer for four seasons, taking the 2005 and 2006 titles.
A move to McLaren for 2007 ended in acrimonious circumstances amid the deterioration of his relationship with senior management and he returned to Renault for 2008 and 2009, prior to securing a seat with Ferrari for 2010.
Alonso came within a few points of both the 2010 and 2012 titles but missed out to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, and at the end of 2014 he left the team to re-join McLaren, which had rekindled its partnership with Honda.
However, the McLaren-Honda alliance proved fruitless, leaving Alonso mired down the order, and after three dismal years the parties went their separate ways, prompting McLaren to link with Renault for 2018.
Alonso remained part of the set-up but results only marginally improved, leaving McLaren a low-key seventh in the standings.
In recent years Alonso has broadened his horizons outside of Formula 1, making his debut at the Indianapolis 500 in 2017 and participating in the full 2018/19 WEC Super Season for Toyota, which included victory at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours.
