Ferrari have confirmed that Fernando Alonso will leave them at the end of the 2014 Formula One campaign at Abu Dhabi this weekend.
In a statement, the team stressed that the relationship between them had ended by common consent.
The announcement brings an end to Alonso’s five year spell with the Italian outfit, which has seen him nab 11 wins and 44 podiums.
“Today is not an easy one for me, because even if I always look to the future with great enthusiasm and determination, at the end of this season my journey as a Ferrari driver will come to an end,”
“It was a difficult decision to take, but a carefully considered one and from start to finish, my love for Ferrari was a prime consideration. I have always been lucky enough to make my own decisions about my future and I have that possibility now too. I must thank the team for that, as it understood my position.
“I leave Scuderia Ferrari after five years, during which I reached my very best level professionally, tackling major challenges that pushed me to find new limits. I also proved to be a true team-player, putting the interests of the Scuderia before my own. When I had to take important decisions about my future, I did so with Ferrari in my heart, driven by my love for the team.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved together. Thanks to the efforts of the men and women of Maranello, on three occasions we came second in the Formula One world championship, two of them fighting for the title right up to and including the final race, running in a championship winning position for many laps. Without a shadow of a doubt, these five years produced some of the best moments of my career and I also feel that, in leaving the team, it is family rather than friends I am leaving behind.
“Now I look to the future with great enthusiasm, knowing that part of my heart will always belong to the Prancing Horse. I want to thank each and everyone of the team for the trust they showed in me.”
Alonso has been linked with a move to McLaren, though the team recently said they will not be announcing their driver line-up for next year before December.
His fans continued to rally behind him, with support pouring in across social media.
@alo_oficial; Thanks for the countless memories, you are the best ! You will be always my hero and my inspiration.#theBestIsYetToCome
— Rajesh (@rajesh_325) November 21, 2014
https://twitter.com/melinaj81982/status/535640021731381248
https://twitter.com/gerbertkachow/status/535643835452248064
@alo_oficial at @Audi__Sport would be so awesome! @FIAWEC he said he will always remain a Ferrari supporter and end his F1 career at Ferrari
— TermiOnTrack (@TermiOnTrack) November 21, 2014
@alo_oficial You are the reason I follow Formula 1 closely. Good luck and I will continue to follow your success.
— Amit Devgon (@amitdevgon_1510) November 21, 2014
@alo_oficial 5 magnificent years! Thank you so much❤ You'll be missed in red.
— Mahveen Wahid (@StalwartMahi) November 21, 2014
Fernando Alonso. #TheBestIsYetToCome
As a ferrari supporter he needs to wake up and smell the coffee. As a Mclaren fan I say Hell Yeah— Luieluv (@Real_Kimish) November 21, 2014
https://twitter.com/emmavvass/status/535441378420203521
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