Fernando Alonso to leave Formula 1 at end of season

The Oviedo-born motorsport legend, who has suffered a series of disappointing seasons with Ferrari and later McLaren who have both failed to provide him with a competitive car, was nevertheless a force to be reckoned with when racing for Rénault, a team that saw him carry off the championship in 2005 and 2006.

The first of these came after German legend Michael Schumacher's five world titles on the trot and, at 24, he was the youngest to wind the drivers' championship.

Since then, Alonso has also been reserve champion three times and made it to the podium in 97 races, 32 of which he won, despite only getting pole 22 times.

His victories after starting further back on the grid included his last-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix win on home turf in Valencia, when he roared up from 11^th to cross the chequered flag ahead of everyone else – a supreme effort that was so taxing even for a talent of Alonso's magnitude that he actually broke down in tears at the end.

Speculation that the 37-year-old was planning on giving up the most high-profile of all motorsport disciplines has been rife for a while after his long run of poor results due to under-performing cars and following his sideways move into Indycar, which has so far proven a resounding success.

Dovetailing the Toyota World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Formula 1 – a move sanctioned by McLaren – Alonso's main aim was to win Le Mans 24-Hours, something he achieved on the first attempt earlier this year.

And having won the Monaco Grand Prix twice during his Formula 1 career, Alonso only has to clinch the Indianapolis 500 to complete the motorsport 'Triple Crown', as the three classic races are known collectively.

The Asturias-based racing driver's début in the Indianapolis last May looked set to complete his 'Triple Crown' when he was in the lead for 27 laps, but engine failure forced him to retire close to the end.

But this crushing disappointment shows Alonso has the calibre to finish the classic hat-trick and it is likely he will try again.

If he is successful, Alonso will be only the second Triple Crown 'wearer' in motorsport history, along with the UK's Graham Hill.

Motorsport fans and critics say Formula 1 will be 'a poorer place' without Alonso, whom they describe as an 'all-time great' – a driver whose exceptional skill showed through even though his results do not reflect his ability.

This said, Alonso says he is 'passionate' about Formula 1 and has not ruled out a possible comeback.

In his open missive, described by Spanish media as 'a love letter to McLaren', the Spaniard hints that if the team 'comes back stronger' – as he says he is confident it will – this 'could be the right moment' for him to return to the series.

“That would make me really happy,” admits Alonso, who says his 'heart is with the team forever'.

In a video farewell, Alonso talks to Formula 1 as a personal friend or even a romantic partner.

“You weren't waiting for me and I wasn't sure I wanted to meet you. You gave me a lot, but I gave you everything. Back when I had hardly learnt how to walk yet, I was already running to you, the noise you made, your circuits, without knowing anything about you.

“Together, we've been through some truly great times, some of them unforgettable; others, truly awful. You've watched me grow, get excited, and we've played together, against incredible rivals.

“I've watched you change; sometimes for the better and, other times, in my opinion, for the worse.

“Every time I pull down the visor of my helmet I feel your embrace, your energy, and nothing else comes close.

“But now I have bigger fish to fry than you can offer me. And this year, driving at my best ever, is how I want to remember you.

“I can only be grateful to you, to you and to all the people you are, for having shown me so many cultures, customs, languages, wonderful people...for having been my life.

“I know you love me. And you know I love you, too, beloved F1.”