In an interview on Spanish television on Sunday, King Juan Carlos of Spain, who is close to his country's Formula One ace Fernando Alonso, revealed that the two-time champion had told him he had signed for McLaren.
Rumours had been circulating for some time about a possible move to McLaren for Alonso, but neither the driver nor the team had confirmed them.
When Alonso was asked about the King's comments after the race in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, he said, smiling: "What the king says, I don't say anything opposite. He is the king. He is always right."
The Spaniard, who is leaving Ferrari after five years, found it difficult to cope with the emotions in his final race for the team and confessed to finding the start of the race, surrounded by the team's mechanics, particularly hard.
"It was the worst moment," the 33-year-old said. "We fired up the engine and the mechanics stay there with the tyre blankets to the last minute. Two guys at the front, I saw they were looking at me, eyes shining. It was difficult to put first gear and start."
He added: "It is terribly difficult to close the door with Ferrari and knowing I will not wear this red colour next year."
Germany's Sebastian Vettel will take Alsonso's place at Ferrari, who announced today that they have sacked Marco Mattiacci after just seven months in the role, with Maurizio Arrivabene succeeding him as team principal. Arrivabene has spent the last 27 years with Ferrari sponsor Philip Morris. The Italian team has had another disappointing season, finishing fourth in the constructors' championship, behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams.
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