Earlier today, the two-time world champion revealed that he will not be racing in 2019. However… he did not specifically mention that he was retiring.

He paid tribute to McLaren, a team that he rejoined in 2015 but failed to compete for a podium. They had a dismal three-year spell with Honda and are struggling to adapt to the Renault.

Alonso suggested a McLaren renaissance could be just the ticket for him to return to F1.

“My heart is with the team forever,” said Alonso. “I know they will come back stronger and better in the future and it could be the right moment for me to be back in the series; that would make me really happy.

“I have built so many great relationships with many fantastic people at McLaren, and they have given me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and race in other categories. I feel I am a more complete driver now than ever.”

He made his Indianapolis 500 debut in 2017 and winning this race will clinch him motorsport’s unofficial triple crown. The Spaniard has already completed 2 pieces of the puzzle with 2 Monaco GP wins and a win at the 24hrs of Le Mans.

“I made this decision some months ago and it was a firm one,” he said.

“Nevertheless, I would like to sincerely thank Chase Carey and Liberty Media for the efforts made to change my mind and everyone who has contacted me during this time.

“Finally, I would also like to thank my former teams, teammates, competitors, colleagues, partners, journalists and everyone I have worked with in my F1 career.

“And, especially, my fans all over the world. I am quite sure our paths will cross again in the future.”

With Alonso’s departure from McLaren, both seats are up for grabs at the British team next year. Stoffel Vandoorne has not yet signed a contract extension and reserve driver Lando Norris wished to gain more experience.

This could technically be classified as a sabbatical of sorts. However, he isn’t the first driver to do so. Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher also stepped away from F1 for a while before returning.