After 17 years in Formula 1 Fernando Alonso will not race in 2019. His team McLaren announces Alonso's decision on tuesday. Spaniard is two-time Formula 1 world champion (2005 and 2006 with Renault) and former Ferrari driver.

Source: Twitter/McLaren

"After 17 wonderful years in this amazing sport, it's time for me to make a change and move on," Alonso said, according to Autosport.

There are still several grands prix to go this season and Alonso, he said, will take part in them with more commitment and passion than ever.

Interestingly, Alonso leaving the door open for a future return, but he definitely will not race in 2019.

37-year-old Alonso races 303 times in Formula 1, wins 32 grand prixs (97 podiums). He made debut in 2001 with Minardi at the Australian GP. He won this year's 24 hours of Le Mans.

More about successes and controversies regarding Alonso's career in next article tomorrow.