Ferrari exit ‘difficult’ for Alonso
ABU DHABI — Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has described his time at Ferrari as one in which he reached his limits “professionally”.
ABU DHABI — Two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has described his time at Ferrari as one in which he reached his limits “professionally”.
Yesterday, the Italian marque confirmed his departure, with Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel as his replacement.
Alonso, 33, who won the F1 world title with Renault in 2005 and 2006, expressed his frustration with Ferarri last year after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
That earned him a public rebuke from then-Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and fuelled rumours that he was on his way out.
In a report by leading motorsports news website Autosport yesterday, the Spaniard, who is likely to rejoin McLaren, said his spell at Ferrari had seen him reaching his limit, professionally speaking.
“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,” said Alonso. “I have always been lucky enough to make my own decisions about my future and I have that possibility now too.
He added: “I leave Ferrari after five years, during which I reached my very best level professionally, tackling major challenges that pushed me to find new limits.”
McLaren’s seats are currently taken by former champion Jenson Button and promising driver Kevin Magnussen of Denmark. On Tuesday, McLaren said they have decided to put off any announcement on their 2015 driver line-up until next month.
Since joining Ferrari in 2010, Alonso has won 11 races for the Italian marque and secured 44 podium places.
His final race will be on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He is fifth in the overall standings and has managed only two podium positions this season. His last win was at the Spanish Grand Prix last May.
Alonso came close to winning the title in the final race in Abu Dhabi four years ago, entering with an eight-point lead. But Vettel won the first of his four straight titles with Red Bull that year.
Vettel, his replacement at Ferrari, will join them in a three-year deal from 2015. The German’s place at Red Bull will be taken by Daniil Kvyat, who is currently with sister team Toro Rosso.
“The next stage of my Formula 1 career will be spent with Ferrari and for me that means the dream of a lifetime has come true,” Vettel was quoted as saying by Autosport.
“When I was a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it’s an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari.” AGENCIES
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on SingTel mio TV Ch116 and StarHub TV Ch210 — Practice session 1 and 2 at 4.55pm and 8.55pm respectively.