Alex Wurz has confirmed that he will be retiring from Formula 1 racing and that his last competitive race in the sport was the Chinese Grand Prix.
“I would today like to announce my retirement from active racing in Formula One,†Wurz announced in a statement today. “I would like to thank my family and fans, everyone at AT&T Williams and my previous teams, as well as the media, for all of their support during my Formula One racing career.
“In such a hard fought environment as Formula One, I have always maintained that if you have a moment s doubt about what you are doing, then it is time to stop. Privately, I began to have these thought earlier this year and so have decided that now is the time to make my announcement.
“Racing this season has been a real pleasure, especially securing the podium in Canada which was pretty sweet along with a number of other strong races, but now it is time to call it a day. I’d like to thank the team for accepting my decision and I wish them all the best for the last race of the year.
“I look forward to my future and perhaps the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and skills in Formula One and I have some discussions underway. I may also race again, perhaps in Le Mans or other categories and certainly some of my time will now be committed to the very important subject of road safety.”
Team boss Frank Williams said, “Alex has made an invaluable contribution to the team for the past two years, first as one of the best test and development drivers the team has ever worked with, and more recently as a race driver.
“This season Alex has had some very strong drives in difficult circumstances and we would like to thank him for all he has contributed. Alex is well known, immensely popular and widely regarded as one of Formula One’s gentlemen. I am sure I speak for everyone in the paddock when I wish Alex and his family the very best for the future.”
It is believed that the team will announce Wurz s replacement for the Brazilian Grand Prix tomorrow. It is widely believed that Williams test driver Kazuki Nakajima will be given the second race seat.
