Photo: RacePictures.

Why Zak Brown has not ruled out a potential return for Fernando Alonso at the Indy 500

21:01, 06 Feb

byOlly Darcy

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stated that he "would love" to see Fernando Alonso race for McLaren at the Indy 500 once again.

"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."

- Zak Brown

The Spaniard has taken part in three editions of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing' for McLaren in 2017, 2019 and 2020, but he has never taken to the top step of the podium.

In his 2017 debut, an engine failure ended his hopes after leading 27 laps. In 2019, he failed to qualify, and in 2020, he finished 21st in the race.

The iconic race is the only event in the 'Triple Crown' that has eluded the 44-year-old, despite his victories at the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Fernando Alonso during qualifying at the 2019 Indy 500 - Photo: Race Pictures

Now, Alonso is a part of Aston Martin and their exciting 2026 season with master-designer Adrian Newey at the helm, but with his contract ending at the end of the year, Brown did not shy away from his thoughts about seeing the two-time World Champion return to the American racing class.

“I talk to him about it like every time I see him,” the American said during the opening of the McLaren Racing Centre in Indianapolis.

“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.”

Will Alonso make it into the history books?

An Indy 500 win for Alonso would put the Spaniard in an extremely exclusive club, with British racer Graham Hill, father of 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill, being the only driver to have ever completed the 'Triple Crown' of motorsports.

However, although a return has not been ruled out by any means, all focus from the Aston Martin man is trained towards his current project, while IndyCar veteran Ryan Hunter-Reay will be added to McLaren's roster for the 2026 Indy 500.

"Winning the Dakar Rally is still on the wishlist. The Indy 500, of course, but I’m not sure if I will do it again in the future," Alonso stated on the Aston Martin official website back in 2024.

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