Even though Fernando Alonso’s Formula 1 announcement was predictable to a certain extent but still it was a huge shock to all.
He may still return in 2020 if all goes right or the 2018’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could be his last event ever in F1. For now, fans and everyone has nine more races to enjoy Alonso’s talent in the pinnacle of motosport.
The two-time champion said he had decided to leave F1 months ago and no amount of persuasion from the team, his peers and even the sport’s owners worked on him especially with the situation he finds himself in.
He has the FIA World Endurance Championship races to complete as well which will see him race until next June in the Le Mans 24 Hours. In between, he may have another go in the Indy500 to complete the Triple Crown.
The motor racing community were united though to appreciate Alonso’s fine career which started way back in 2001 with Minardi and saw spells with Renault, Ferrari and McLaren as well – the highlight no doubt being the time with Renault when he won his two titles.
Here’s how social media reacted to the Alonso’s news from Tuesday:
We are gonna we miss you a lot @alo_oficial ! My passion for this sport started thanks to you and I consider myself a very lucky guy to have shared 4 years of f1 racing with one of the best ever. Time to keep profiting from the 2nd half of the season! pic.twitter.com/I1PEmn19Qq
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) August 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/HulkHulkenberg/status/1029390028210954240
https://twitter.com/SChecoPerez/status/1029392977330765824
It has been a privilege and an honour being your friend, your team mate and racing against you in @F1 @alo_oficial . I will miss you at the end of the season. https://t.co/rtn5cFnuHJ
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) August 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/MassaFelipe19/status/1029398394782015490
Dear ‘Nando ….. pic.twitter.com/cb6lNydTzi
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) August 14, 2018
I’ll miss Fernando’s fiery character and relentless speed. Unfulfilled potential yet still huge achievements in F1. Needed somebody stronger than him around to control the destructive moments which prevented him being first choice for any team, but not sure such a person exists https://t.co/qaYcK4PVyr
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) August 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/MotoGP/status/1029495496228982784
Dear @alo_oficial , much respect for this courageous decision. After two @F1 world championship titles, I'm sure more titles will come in other motor sport categories. And thank you for your commitment to #RoadSafety with the @FIA https://t.co/8iZ7yOUFG7
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) August 14, 2018
Boy are we gonna miss you, @alo_oficial #F1 pic.twitter.com/nHQ34BYZtl
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 14, 2018
Gracias por tu ejemplo de que con talento y trabajo todo se puede lograr. Gracias por demostrarnos que un español también puede ganar en la Fórmula 1. Estoy seguro de que conseguirás ganar en todo lo que te propongas, pues el secreto siempre ha estado en TU mente. #MagicAlonso pic.twitter.com/Ky7eYwtuol
— Jorge Lorenzo (@lorenzo99) August 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/marcmarquez93/status/1029444474810892288
Congratulations @alo_oficial on a brilliant F1 career! Your opportunistic opening laps and relentless speed and commitment on every lap of a Sunday are in inspiration to any racing driver… #Alonso #F1 pic.twitter.com/g6Ut1NZ2Am
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) August 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/MarcCox/status/1029481478277804036
https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1029416372856672258
https://twitter.com/svandoorne/status/1029404249933991938
https://twitter.com/FIAWorldRX/status/1029394804407521280
https://twitter.com/Anto_Giovinazzi/status/1029385098632814592
Thank you Fernando, for all these years, your talent and the fantastic years we have spent together. F1 is bigger thanks to you. Circuit will always be your home. https://t.co/3DMk3ZFWDE
— Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (@Circuitcat_eng) August 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/paugasol/status/1029448332169699328
