FORMULA ONE icon Fernando Alonso has announced his split from long-term partner Andrea Schlager.
The Spaniard shared the news on Instagram just hours after his podium finish at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cizao8EAP7M/
In a statement, he wrote: "We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended.
"We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
"As you have probably seen, we have continued working on and off track on various projects together also during this time, and we will keep doing so with deep love and respect for each other.
"We thought it is appropriate to share this as you have all been very supportive. Thanks for that. Love Fer & Andrea."
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Schlager, a sports commentator known for her work in F1 and MotoGP, met Alonso through her F1 commitments.
The couple enjoyed a private relationship for the most part before going their separate ways.
Alonso is currently enjoying a very successful season in F1 with new team Aston Martin.
Following Sunday's chaotic Australian GP – where he finish third – the Spaniard now sits third in the Drivers Championship standings behind Red Bull duo Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
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After the race – which saw just 12 drivers finish – Alonso made a tongue-in-cheek joke at Perez's expense as it was the first time this year that a car other than a Red Bull had finished ahead of him.
That car was Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes.
Alonso said: "No more three Red Bulls on the podium, if Checo was here.
"But no, I think Mercedes were also strong in Jeddah, to be honest. I think all race on Sunday, I was within one-tenth of George [Russell], you know, fighting to get this extra five seconds or whatever at the end. So it was very, very close."
He added: "It seems that qualifying is quite important now, because the race pace is very similar.
"I think now we enter a part of the season that is going to be very interesting, which team is developing their car faster.
"In the first three races away from Europe, it is difficult to bring upgrades and things like that.
"But, from now on, maybe we’ll see the level of the teams changing a little bit race by race, depending on who brings an upgrade that is good enough."
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