The Persistent Pursuit of Motorsport's Ultimate Crown
The Indianapolis 500 has an irresistible pull, and for Fernando Alonso, that call is made stronger by Zak Brown. The McLaren Racing CEO has once again publicly invited the Spanish star to return to ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ and chase motorsport’s Triple Crown.
Fernando Alonso has an open invitation to race at the Indianapolis 500 whenever he chooses, thanks to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.
The Spaniard last raced at the Indy 500 in 2020, a year when the event was delayed until August and held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All three of Alonso’s attempts were backed by McLaren, and he qualified twice for the 33-car field. His standout performance came in his 2017 debut, earning top rookie honors after qualifying fifth, leading 27 laps, and staying in contention for victory until an engine failure ended his race while he was seventh with 21 laps remaining.
Arrow McLaren’s Continued Commitment
Arrow McLaren, McLaren Racing’s IndyCar division, has consistently expanded its Indy 500 program since Alonso’s participation. The team has fielded former winners such as Juan Pablo Montoya (2021–22), Tony Kanaan (2023), and two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson (2024–25).
This year is no different, with 2014 Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay joining for a one-off effort during May, alongside full-time drivers Pato O’Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel.
Brown Keeps the Door Open for Alonso
During the grand opening of the McLaren Racing Center, Brown discussed the possibility of Alonso returning for another Indy 500 campaign.
“Starting with Ryan, (I am) very happy to have Ryan in the car this year,” Brown said. “He's definitely capable of winning the Indy 500, so I think our odds have gone up by putting Ryan in the car.”
Brown also spoke about Alonso, now 44 and in the final year of his Aston Martin contract. A two-time F1 world champion and 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Alonso only needs an Indy 500 victory to complete racing’s ‘Triple Crown,’ a feat achieved only by Graham Hill.
“But post that and post when Fernando stops in F1, this is his last contractual year, doesn't mean he won't continue, but I talk to him about it like every time I see him,” Brown said.
“I think we've got a car that can win the Indy 500. And I think he's very capable of winning the Indy 500. I thoroughly enjoyed racing with him here. He enjoyed it all but one of the years, but loved the first year. I mean, it was magic.
“I'd love to see Fernando back at the Indy 500 with us. That is something I'll continue to bug him about.”
