Fernando Alonso says he is treating the remaining nine Grands Prix as a “goodbye” to Formula 1, but has left the door open for a potential return.
Alonso announced during Formula 1’s summer break that he had opted to call time on his career in the championship in order to pursue racing activities elsewhere.
It ostensibly brings to an end a career that has yielded 32 wins and two World Championships across a spell of over 300 Grands Prix.
Alonso says he is regarding the next rounds as a farewell – but hasn’t entirely ruled out competing in the sport in the future.
“Right now I am thinking that it is a goodbye but life changes very quickly and life also taught me in the past how things may change in a couple of months’ time or in years’ time.
“As I said also in the press release when we announced the retirement is to leave the door open.
“I don’t have a crystal ball to know the future. For me it’s a bye-bye but who knows in the future.”
Expanding on his decision to leave Formula 1, Alonso explained that “it was a decision that probably I start thinking last year.
“And then this year, 2018, there were a lot of changes into the team and you know with the engine manufacturer changes and things like that.
“I thought it was worth staying one more year, I enjoy driving these cars with new regulations, big tyres, more downforce, this year was some kind of joy to keep racing and to have another go.
“[But] a couple of months ago I decided it was the right time. I feel strong, feel a good level, and want to say by bye to this sport when I am strong not when I am not competitive or have no place to go.
“I prefer to take my own decision and take new challenges of what Formula 1 cannot offer me at the moment.”
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