Brown: Alonso's Indy 500 pursuit sets him apart from other F1 drivers
McLaren CEO Zak Brown explains that Fernando Alonso's fearless decision to race the Indy 500—skipping Monaco to do so—is what truly distinguishes him from other F1 drivers, highlighting a versatile and old-school competitive spirit few on the grid possess.
Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, has pinpointed Fernando Alonso's willingness to tackle the Indianapolis 500 as the defining trait that separates the Spaniard from his Formula 1 peers. Brown, who oversaw Alonso's frustrating second stint at McLaren and his subsequent IndyCar adventures, highlighted the driver's unique versatility and fearless approach to racing outside his comfort zone.
Why it matters:
In an era where F1 drivers are often seen as highly specialized athletes, Alonso's pursuit of motorsport's 'Triple Crown'—winning the Monaco GP, Indy 500, and 24 Hours of Le Mans—demonstrates a rare and old-school competitive spirit. His decision to skip the Monaco Grand Prix, a crown jewel of F1, to race at the Brickyard in 2017 is an act few modern drivers would consider, showcasing a raw passion for competition that transcends a single racing series.
The details:
- Brown managed Alonso during the driver's difficult four-year return to McLaren (2015-2018), a period marred by mechanical failures and uncompetitive cars.
- Despite the F1 struggles, Alonso expressed a desire to race in the Indy 500, a challenge Brown says most on the current grid would avoid.
- The Initial Shock: Brown recalled Alonso's reaction after his first laps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, quoting the driver as saying, "Oh my good God. Punishing, 230 miles an hour. It is insane."
- The Results: Alonso showed scintillating speed on his debut in 2017, leading laps and being in contention before an engine failure. His campaign in 2019 ended more dramatically when he failed to qualify on a chaotic 'Bump Day'.
- Enduring Passion: At 44, Alonso remains the oldest driver on the grid but is still chasing a third world title with Aston Martin, fueled by the same passion he displayed over two decades ago.
The big picture:
Alonso's career choices reflect a driver motivated by legacy and pure racing challenge as much as by championships. While he never won the Indy 500, the attempt cemented his reputation as one of the sport's most complete and daring competitors. His current project with Aston Martin—partnering a Honda power unit with an Adrian Newey-designed car for 2026—proves this relentless pursuit of success continues, making him a unique figure whose ambition stretches far beyond the confines of a Formula 1 cockpit.