Alonso to retire The Spaniard confirms F1 departure at end of the season after 17 years

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso announced yesterday that he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season after his recent struggles with underachieving McLaren.

The 37-year-old Spaniard -- who has 32 Grand Prix wins to his credit in 17 seasons -- has become increasingly disenchanted with Formula One as the once all-powerful McLaren team have fallen way off the pace.

Alonso -- who in 2005 became the youngest ever Formula One world champion while driving for Renault before defending his title the following year -- has garnered 44 points this season and is ninth in the drivers’ championship.