After an unsuccessful three years at McLaren, Fernando Alonso has made the decision to step away from Formula One after an incredible career spanning 17 years.

Having not been provided with a competitive car since his return to the British constructors in 2015, Alonso has seemingly lost patience and decided to call it quits.

Former managing director and team principal of Renault, Flavio Briatore knows the Spaniard better than most, and can't believe he hasn't been offered a lucrative drive for next season.

"I explain Fernando's decision - it just made no sense to go seventh or eighth," Briatore per GP Fans.

"A driver loses the motivation. I find it strange that in this Formula 1 apparently no place for such a talented driver as Fernando can be found.

Alonso was briefly linked with a move to Red Bull to replace Daniel Ricciardo a few weeks ago.

But Christian Horner quickly dismissed the speculation by explaining that Alonso's pattern of causing 'chaos' at many of his previous teams had played a factor in the decision not to pursue the Spaniard.

Briatore has hit back, however, and thinks Horner needs to get his own house in order first. 

"[Horner] has good talk! If there is a racing team that cannot handle drivers, then it is his. That's exactly why Daniel Ricciardo is leaving.

"Fernando drove for me. He glorified the Renault team, he was an exemplary team-mate for the other drivers, a benchmark for the mechanics."

A Formula One veteran, Alonso has started 303 races (the first of which in the 2001 Australian GP), winning 32 and standing on the podium on 97 occasions.

The Oviedo-born driver has collected 1,893 points in his career, contributing to two World Championships in 2005 and 2006.

Alonso's struggles since leaving Ferrari have been evident and he hasn't been afraid to show his frustrations, entertaining fans with various outbursts over the team radio.

Last winning at his home race in 2013, the two-time champion has evidently had enough of fighting for the lower end of points with an average car.

Rumoured to be interested in signing a full-time deal with IndyCar in 2019, Briatore says the veteran's options remain open.

"Let's see. First, it is time to finish a Formula 1 season and the World Endurance Championship.

"I could understand it if he takes a break. Anyway, talking about a final farewell is too early. In Formula 1, things change very fast. One should never say never."