Jimmie Johnson will retire from the NASCAR Cup Series at end of 2020

Johnson was keen to delay his call on when to retire for as long as possible, although one of his major sponsors had committed to 2023.

The 44-year-old's seven cup championships is equal with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most all-time. Five of those titles came in succession between 2006 and 2010, a NASCAR record, Johnson proving a master of NASCAR's playoff system.

The California driver has also won 83 races - the most among active drivers and sixth all time - in a career dating back to 2001 spanning 651 races.

He is also a two-time winner of the Daytona 500 in both 2006 and 2013.

Johnson tweeted announced his decision on social media, saying, "I'm so thankful for 18 incredible careers of racing in NASCAR.

#Chasing8 one final time pic.twitter.com/ZoldabKy9M

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 20, 2019

"This sport has been good to me and allowed me to do something I truly love.

"I showed up chasing a dream and achieved more than I ever thought possible.

"I'm looking forward to next season and celebrating what will be my last year as a full-time NASCAR Cup driver.

"I know what this team is capable of and I hope that 2020 is one of the best yet."

However, he currently faces the longest winless streak of his career with his most recent victory coming at Dover in May, 2017.

Hendrick Motorsports will announce plans for its 2021 team alignment at a later date.