McLaren Formula 1 on Tuesday announced two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso is stepping away from the sport at the end of this season, the first official step toward him possibly becoming part of the highly-rumored McLaren IndyCar team that could enter the series next year. Alonso’s future has been a major storyline both in F1 and IndyCar all season as McLaren has made clear that it is eyeing a full-time entrance into IndyCar, and the 37-year-old driver has been known to be frustrated in F1, with McLaren going through a rebuilding project and not currently competing for wins. There was no mention of IndyCar in McLaren's statement, but McLaren CEO Zak Brown has said repeatedly that the team is still working on a possible entry as soon as ’19. IndyCar CEO Mark Miles in a text message to THE DAILY wrote, “Today's announcement certainly has fueled excitement among IndyCar fans who hope that Alonso will compete throughout the Championship in 2019. McLaren is working to put all the necessary arrangements in place and we are supporting their efforts. I don't expect this to be resolved until closer to the end of this year." Alonso also helped announce the news via videos on his social media feeds (one in Spanish and one in English) that reflect on his time in F1.
'FIRM' DECISION: In London, Jack de Menezes reported Alonso's decision "was made earlier in the season" as McLaren struggled for results with the team's new Renault engines. Alonso: "I made this decision some months ago and it was a firm one. Nevertheless, I would like to sincerely thank [F1 CEO] Chase Carey and Liberty Media for the efforts made to change my mind and everyone who has contacted me during this time." Since his debut in '01 with Minardi, Alonso has had 303 grand prix starts, fourth on the all-time list behind Rubens Barrichello, Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher. So long as he starts the remaining nine races this season, he will pass Button and Schumacher. He was the youngest world champion with Renault in '05, and won again in '06 (INDEPENDENT, 8/14).
