MADRID, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Formula 1 racing driver Fernando Alonso will retire from the sport in 2019, his team McLaren Racing confirmed on their official website on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old is competing in his 17th Formula 1 season and won the 2005 and 2006 World Championships, becoming the youngest ever title winner in 2005.

During his career he has so far won 32 races, had 22 pole positions and 97 podiums.

Zak Brown the CEO of McLaren Racing commented that the Spaniard was “not only an outstanding ambassador for McLaren but also for Formula 1. 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,” he said

Meanwhile Alonso commented that “after 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it’s time for me to make a change and move on. I have enjoyed every single minute of those incredible seasons and I cannot thank enough the people who have contributed to make them all so special.”

“Let’s see what the future brings; new exciting challenges are around the corner. I’m having one of the happiest times ever in my life but I need to go on exploring new adventures.”

It is thought Alonso will now switch to Indycar racing after his success this June in the Le Mans 24-hour race. Enditem