Alonso: Schumacher didn't get this farewell

Fernando Alonso sheepishly pointed out that the great Michael Schumacher was not treated to the same fanfare on either of his farewell races as the Spaniard has enjoyed at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The McLaren man brought the curtain down on his Formula 1 career (for now) at Yas Marina with an 11th-placed finish.

F1's switching priorities are perhaps behind the great scene that has met Alonso's farewell.

The drivers' briefing room was renamed in his honour, he was handed Driver of the Day despite a fairly mediocre race and he took to the pit straight for donuts with the podium finishers post-race.

Rather than revel in his treatment, Alonso pointed out how it contrasted with previous greats saying goodbye.

"I was very surprised because I have raced with great champions," he told Sky Sports.

"I raced with Michael, raced with Jenson Button. Two or three years ago in the same place, it was his last race and no one had all the things that I have received this weekend, so I cannot say thanks enough to everyone."

????????????#GraciasFernando pic.twitter.com/5gakaLb8rj — McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 25, 2018

Alonso has teased fans all weekend with suggestions he could return to F1 as a racer in 2020, but he says it is not something he can guarantee.

"Right now I'm not thinking to come back, that's for sure," he added.

"But I don't know how I'll feel next year. I think I need the break now, 2019 I need different challenges.

"I want to fight for the Triple Crown, the Indy 500 and other iconic races - maybe Daytona, maybe other things that will come.

"But for 2020, maybe I'll feel the need to do a full calendar in something: maybe IndyCar, maybe Formula 1, I don't know.

"Maybe that's the time to come back or maybe I'll enjoy so much next year that I won't come back."

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