Ferrari has
also confirmed that Fernando Alonso will be leaving the team and stated that it
was by “common consent, they have ended their relationship”. As the Ferrari team
slipped down the constructors standings, Alonso’s contract allowed him to leave
the team if he wished. Exiting the team after a span of 5 years, Alonso leaves
with 11 wins and 44 podiums for the Maranello based team.
While leaving
Ferrari, the Spaniard stated “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.”
Alonso
concluded by saying; "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 every one of the team for the trust they showed in me."
With the only
vacancies that could interest Alonso is the seat at his old team McLaren where
he left on bad terms with team principal Ron Dennis, but another seat that
might interest him is at Lotus F1 Team who have announced to use the successful
Mercedes engines from 2015. Alonso has also been interested with the Audi
LeMans team where he might be driving in WEC competing against his friend Mark
Webber who drives for the Porsche team. It is also possible that Alonso could
take a sabbatical for a year and return next year with hope that Lewis Hamilton
vacates a seat in Mercedes. A confirmation from Alonso regarding his future is
still in the dark, leaving everyone to make up their own theories and
possibilities.
“In the Scuderia Ferrari roll of honour of
great drivers, Fernando Alonso will always occupy a special place, We offer him
our heartfelt thanks for what has been an extraordinary adventure with the
Scuderia” Mattiacci commented on Alonso’s departure.