Former double Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has left McLaren.

Alonso, who won the world title in 2005 and 2006, is now free to sign for another team next season after being released by the team.

"Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out," said Alonso in a statement released by the team.

Team principal Ron Dennis added: "Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, especially McLaren's Spanish partners Banco Santander and Mutua Madrilena and the teams title partner Vodafone, want to wish Fernando all the best for the future."

The Spaniard, who finished third in the world championship behind rookie team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's new champion Kimi Raikkonen, has had a strained relationship with the Woking-based team.

Alonso, who left Renault to join McLaren and had two years left on his deal, is reported to be ready to return to drive for the French manufacturer next season.