McLaren will have an all new driver line-up in 2019 which means bidding farewell to both its drivers at this weekend's Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Unusually, neither driver will be on the grid next season with Fernando Alonso choosing to retire from the sport and Stoffel Vandoorne switching to Formula E, giving the farewell an even greater meaning.
Two-time champion Alonso is therefore expecting it to be an emotional affair and is hopeful of ending his career on a high.
"Abu Dhabi will certainly be very emotional race for me, as it will be the end of a long and happy 17 years in Formula 1," said the Spaniard. "The time has come for me to move on, but I’m looking forward to ending the season – and my F1 career – on a positive note.
"I’m also pleased that my relationship with McLaren will continue with the Indy 500, and there will be more new challenges together. There are very exciting things ahead, and I’m enthusiastic for what the future will bring. For now, I’m not ruling anything out.
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"I’m fully focussed on this weekend in Abu Dhabi, and making the most of every day – in the car, with the team, and with my friends and family. Abu Dhabi is a tough circuit, but we don’t have anything to lose, so both Stoffel and I will be fighting hard as always."
FE bound Vandoorne says his final race with the team will be one of mixed emotions, given the situation he landed in when he joined the team during what is arguably McLaren's lowest point in its rich history.
"I’m heading to Abu Dhabi with mixed emotions," added the Belgian. "Although I’ve spent two years as a Formula 1 driver with McLaren, I’ve been with the team for five years and call many of them my friends. I’ve built a great relationship with McLaren and it’s been a significant part of my life. My final grand prix as a McLaren driver on Sunday will be sentimental, but also the right time to say goodbye to this chapter in my career."
"I want to leave Abu Dhabi on a high, so we’ll be putting everything we can into maximising our weekend and getting the most out of it. I have great memories from Abu Dhabi in my junior career, and it’s a really cool atmosphere as you race from day into night.
"I’m excited for the next challenge – which begins in only a few weeks – but I also want to enjoy every moment in the car and with the team this weekend for the final time."
