Fernando Alonso’s pursuit of the Indianapolis 500 quickly became one of the most high-profile crossover stories in recent motorsport history after the Formula 1 world champion left the Monaco Grand Prix to chase racing’s elusive Triple Crown.
Alonso first targeted the Indianapolis 500 in 2017 after becoming fascinated by the race’s history and its significance within global motorsport.
The Spaniard made clear from the beginning that victory at Indianapolis would move him one step closer to joining Graham Hill as the only driver to complete the Triple Crown by winning Monaco, Le Mans and the Indy 500.
Why Fernando Alonso left Formula 1 for the Indy 500
Writing in The Players’ Tribune, Alonso explained how quickly he realised the scale of the challenge Indianapolis represented.
“I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to experience.”
His decision stunned Formula 1 because Alonso skipped the Monaco Grand Prix in 2017 to compete at Indianapolis with Andretti Autosport, McLaren and Honda.
Very few Formula 1 drivers have willingly stepped away from a grand prix seat during their prime years to attempt oval racing, making Alonso’s move one of the boldest decisions of his career.
McLaren chief Zak Brown later admitted the emotional investment surrounding Alonso’s Indy 500 programme made every setback particularly painful for the team.
How Fernando Alonso performed in each Indy 500 attempt
- 2017 – Rookie breakthrough ends in heartbreak
Alonso immediately impressed in his Indianapolis debut, qualifying fifth and leading 27 laps during the race. He looked capable of challenging near the front before a Honda engine failure ended his race with just 21 laps remaining. - 2019 – Failed qualification with McLaren
Alonso returned with McLaren in 2019 but suffered one of the biggest disappointments of his motorsport career after failing to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. Organisational problems and McLaren’s lack of oval racing experience heavily contributed to the disastrous weekend. - 2020 – Clutch problems ruin comeback attempt
McLaren reunited with Alonso for another Indianapolis 500 attempt in 2020 following the race’s delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alonso qualified successfully but later revealed that a clutch failure had badly compromised his race before he eventually finished 21st.
Despite repeated setbacks, Alonso has consistently described the Indianapolis 500 as unfinished business because victory there would complete motorsport’s Triple Crown.
His willingness to leave Formula 1 and embrace one of racing’s most dangerous and unpredictable events also helped strengthen the modern connection between Formula 1 and IndyCar.
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