Fernando Alonso , whose youthful brilliance usurped even Michael Schumacher in the autumn of his career , considered a life beyond Formula One . This full-blooded driver , who has proved himself probably the best of his generation during 15 dazzling yet sometimes turbulent seasons , said McLaren would be his last team and that when he walks out of the paddock for ever he will barely take a backward glance . ‘ I will close the loop on that part of my life , ’ he said ahead of Sunday ’ s Chinese Grand Prix . Fernando Alonso says he will retire from Formula One once his deal with McLaren-Honda comes to an end . ‘ I started with McLaren-Honda when I was three years old — a replica from my father ; I will finish with McLaren-Honda , but the real one . That will be one third of my life . It will end with great experiences , great memories , great friendships , but normal life will start the day I retire . I don ’ t think I ’ ll become a driver manager or anything . After 15 or 16 or 17 years of Formula One it ’ s enough. ’ Such are McLaren ’ s difficulties that Alonso may finish his career with two titles , a noble haul but fewer than his talents warrant — and fewer than anyone could have imagined when the Spaniard , then driving for Renault , denied Schumacher a record eighth crown in 2006 . But Alonso , 33 , is almost self-consciously happy about his lot despite leaving Ferrari to join McLaren , who are struggling for pace and reliability . Alonso left McLaren in 2007 after a bitter year but says he is glad to be back for the 2015 season . McLaren have struggled for pace - and with mechanical faults - during the first two Grand Prix of the season . ‘ I was second in the championship with Ferrari three times and I didn ’ t want to be second for a fourth time , ’ he said . ‘ If they win the championship , I might have another opinion on leaving . I ’ ve been lucky to win championships and to win many grands prix , but now sometimes I feel happier and prouder doing the things we are doing now as a team than winning a trophy . ‘ There are times when you arrive at a maturity and stage of mind that gives you different priorities in life. ’ That was one of the great racers talking as he has never talked before . Alonso celebrates after winning the world championship with Renault in 2005 .
Fernando Alonso , 34 , signed a three-year deal with Formula One this year . Spanish driver says this will be his last venture in McLaren . Formula One have struggled for pace in first two Grand Prix of the season . Alonso says he expects success will come - it is just a 'matter of time '