Over its history, the Indy 500 has attracted some of the world’s best talents as drivers look to take victory at The Brickyard.
Double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso attempted to race at Indianapolis three times, even missing the Monaco Grand Prix in 2017 to prioritise the IndyCar event.
The Spaniard was very competitive when making his debut and led the race before his Honda engine expired at the Indy 500.
Alonso returned two years later after leaving F1 the previous season and suffered the agony of getting bumped out of the field by Kyle Kaiser in 2019 in Last Chance Qualifying.
The 43-year-old has revealed his stance on returning to Indianapolis after he finishes his Formula 1 career and competing at The Brickyard, via quotes from racefans.net.
Fernando Alonso feels the dedication needed to race at the Indy 500 may be a ‘little bit too much’ after F1
Alonso is fully committed to Formula 1 and recently signed a new contract with Aston Martin through to 2026 when the new regulations are introduced.
The Spaniard is aiming for his third world championship and his first race victory in F1 since 2013. Adrian Newey is joining the team, which may boost his chances.
He is very close to winning the triple crown and only needs to win the Indy 500 to build on his Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans 24 Hours wins. The idea of Alonso competing at the Indy 500 initially received a mixed reaction at McLaren.
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Alonso explained that winning the triple crown is a great prospect, but he is focused on continuing in Formula 1 with Aston Martin.
He said: “There is this very appealing thing, which is winning the Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1 and winning Le Mans in endurance racing and winning the Indy 500 in oval racing, which is called the triple crown of motor racing. I attempted the Indy 500 three times, didn’t succeed. It’s the only one missing.
“But at the moment it’s not in my plan. I’m very, very focused in Formula 1 now for the next two or three years. I want to win the third world title.
“This is my first and only priority at the moment. And after that, because I will be 45, 46, I think the commitment that it will require to go to Indy 500, the amount of learning that I will have to redo again, it will be a little bit too much. Or it’s what I think now, I cannot say 100% that it will be too much.”
Fernando Alonso has been very successful outside of Formula 1
Alonso has enjoyed a superb career in Formula 1, winning two titles, although he has endured some frustrating times over his career.
The Spaniard has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice with Toyota and drove to more success in endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Alongside his success in endurance racing, he has been competitive in rallying, despite having much less experience on dirt.
Alonso finished 13th at the Dakar Rally in 2020, continuing his collaboration with Toyota during his time outside of F1.