Alonso bows out leaving feeling of unfulfilled potential

ABU DHABI - Fernando Alonso said goodbye to Formula One on Sunday amid a fanfare of crowd-pleasing donut spins, generous tributes and a handful of post-race penalties.

After walking through a guard of honor before the start of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Alonso pulled on his helmet and delivered a dogged drive that earned him an 11th-place finish in his final outing with McLaren.

It was a metaphor for much of the Spaniard's career: he nearly finished in the points, just as he nearly became the greatest champion of his era and nearly won titles with Ferrari.

Despite winning two driver crowns with Renault, in 2005 and 2006, the Spaniard leaves behind a feeling that his was an unfulfilled F1 career and a legacy that is as much about his personality as his talent.

"I have been very surprised because I have raced with great champions," he said. "I raced with Michael (Schumacher), I raced with Jenson Button.

"And, 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."

However, Alonso hinted he might even make a comeback after taking a break in 2019 to try and win titles in other motor sports.

"Right now, I am not thinking to come back ... but I don't know how I will feel next year. I need a break now - in 2019 I need different challenges.

"I want to fight for the triple crown (Indianapolis 500, 24 Hour Le Mans and Monaco Grand Prix) and other iconic races. Maybe Daytona. Maybe other things."

Some observers will have smiled at seeing the 37-year-old hit with three penalty points on his license - for cutting the track in his final race - and collecting three five-second time penalties in the race as he battled to win a point.