Ferrari have confirmed that driver Fernando Alonso is to leave the Formula 1 team at the end of the season.
The Spaniard, who earned 11 wins and 44 podium finishes over a five-year period, was widely expected to leave the Italian outfit at the end of the 2014 campaign.
There were suggestions that the sportsman would take a sabbatical, but it is believed that the 33-year-old will move to McLaren, which puts Jenson Button's future in doubt.
In a statement on Ferrari's official website, Alonso said: "Today is not an easy one for me because even if I always look to the future with great enthusiasm and determination, at the end of this season my journey as a Ferrari driver will come to an end.
"It was a difficult decision to take, but a carefully considered one and from start to finish, my love for Ferrari was a prime consideration. I have always been lucky enough to make my own decisions about my future and I have that possibility now too. I must thank the team for that, as it understood my position."
Team principal Marco Mattiacci added: "In the Scuderia Ferrari roll of honour of great drivers, Fernando Alonso will always occupy a special place. We offer him our heartfelt thanks for what has been an extraordinary adventure with the Scuderia, when in the past five years, he twice came so close to winning the world championship.
"I am sure that a great driver like Fernando will always hold the Prancing Horse dear to his heart and I also expect the Ferrari fans will continue to hold him in high regard in his future endeavours."
Alonso's exit is expected to pave the way for Sebastian Vettel, who will leave Red Bull at the end of the season.
Danielle Joynson
