The ever-enigmatic Fernando Alonso promised a significant announcement on August 14th and he did not disappoint.The 37-year-old has confirmed he will not take part in the 2019 Formula One season, bringing to an end a 17-year association.The Spanish driver will bid farewell at the end of the season with a record of 32 wins, 22 pole positions and 97 podiums to date. Alonso won championships in 2005 and 2006 with Renault but despite being in impressive form, he has failed to replicate those achievements since.He will now switch to IndyCar full time as he pursues a triple crown.In an emotional video posted to his Twitter account, entitled 'Dear F1', he explained:"We had very good times, some unforgettable, others really bad."We have played together against incredible rivals. You played with me, and I learned how to play with you too. I have seen the changes, sometimes for good and sometimes, in my opinion, for bad.

"Every time I close the viser of my helmet, I feel your warm embrace, your energy. There is nothing like it.

"But today, I have some other, bigger challenges than those you can offer me and this year, while still driving at my best, is how I want to remember you.

"I can only be grateful to you and to the people that are part of you for having introduced me to so many cultures, traditions, languages, wonderful people. For having been my life.

"I know you love me and be certain that I love you too."

McLaren pay tribute 

McLaren CEO Zak Brown appeared to confirm in a statement that it was Alonso's decision alone to walk away, while the driver himself admitted Liberty Media had made efforts to convince him to stay.

“Fernando is not only an outstanding ambassador for McLaren but also for Formula 1," Brown said.

"His 17 years in the sport, as arguably the pre-eminent driver of his generation and undoubtedly an F1 great, have added another layer to Formula 1’s rich history.

“There is a time for everyone to make a change and Fernando has decided the end of this season to be his. We respect his decision, even if we believe he is in the finest form of his career."

The fact remains that Alonso has not won a race in five years, even in his four-year spell with Ferrari and in 2018, McLaren just haven't had the car to compete.

It had been speculated that he would replace Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull, with the Australian recently having joined Renault in a surprise move.

Once Christian Horner had dashed those rumours, the question remained of where Alonso would turn next.

The former world champion has finally given his answer. It is one which will ultimately sadden many F1 fans, even if it was not entirely unexpected. 

Do you think Alonso quitting F1 is the right decision? Have your say in the comments.