The F1 world was dealt a major blow on Tuesday following the news that McLaren’s Fernando Alonso will be hanging up his helmet at the end of the season.The Spaniard, who currently sits ninth in the drivers’ standings, is competing in his 17th season in Formula One.However, it appears Alonso has opted for a new challenge next year with a possibility that he could be switching to IndyCar full time.The 37-year-old bids farewell to the sport off the back of 32 victories to date, not to mention his two world champion titles.Alonso has also accumulated 22 pole positions alongside 97 podiums since making his debut back in 2001.His decision to retire at the end of the campaign will undoubtedly leave a hole in the sport going into next season and one man who will miss his contributions is commentator Martin Brundle.Before retiring from F1 himself in 1996, the 59-year-old also represented McLaren and accumulated nine podiums during two separate spells in the sport, but failed to win a race.Although it didn’t work out in Formula One for Brundle, he was named 1988 World Sportscar champion before winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans race two years later.Taking to Twitter, the current Sky Sports commentator claimed that his former side needed someone ‘stronger’ than Alonso, but also admitted he’ll miss his ‘fiery character’ and ‘relentless speed.’

“I’ll miss Fernando’s fiery character and relentless speed”, he posted.

“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.”

Although it’s certain that Alonso won’t be taking part in future F1 championships, what is up in the air is whether he will take on an IndyCar role or whether he’ll take a step in a completely different direction?