F1 legend ditched Grand Prix to chase Indy 500 | Sports News

Fernando Alonso surprised the Formula 1 world in 2017 when he skipped the Monaco Grand Prix to compete within the Indianapolis 500. The iconic Spanish driver would finally take part within the race on three separate events.

The Indy 500 stands as one of probably the most historic motorsports competitions globally, with the 2026 version scheduled for Sunday. Inaugurated in 1911, it options 33 drivers battling by means of a demanding 500 miles, or 200 laps across the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The race represents one-third of motorsport’s unofficial triple crown, achieved when a driver claims victory on the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Nine years in the past, Alonso, who was driving for the underperforming McLaren workforce, selected to skip an F1 race to chase this achievement. It comes as Caitlin Clark handed big Indy 500 position as president makes assertion.

Alonso secured his first F1 world championship in 2005 with Renault and efficiently retained his crown in 2006. He subsequently moved to McLaren in 2007, teaming up with rookie Lewis Hamilton, however departed after a single season.

Following a number of years at Ferrari, he rejoined McLaren in 2015, although the workforce’s vehicle lacked competitiveness, prompting him to discover different racing ventures. In 2017, it was revealed that he would sit out Monaco, a race he had conquered in 2006 and 2007, to pursue the Indy 500 as a substitute.

“The Indy 500 is one of the most famous races on the global motorsport calendar, rivalled only by the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Monaco Grand Prix,” he mentioned. “It’s of course a regret of mine that I won’t be able to race at Monaco this year.

“But Monaco would be the solely 2017 Grand Prix I’ll be lacking and I’ll be back within the cockpit of the McLaren-Honda MCL32 for the Canadian Grand Prix. I’ve received the Monaco Grand Prix twice, and it is one of my ambitions to win the triple crown which has been achieved by just one driver within the historical past of motorsport: Graham Hill. It’s a powerful problem, however I’m up for it.”

Alonso made a strong impression as an Indy 500 newcomer, securing fifth place on the grid’s second row and leading for 27 laps. Unfortunately, his Honda engine failed on lap 179, ending his race prematurely. Reflecting on the experience afterward, he remarked: “It’s true that earlier than coming right here some of the questions have been how you may commerce Monaco for Indy 500. I received two instances there, I received two world championships. To drive round Monaco for a sixth place, seventh place. To be right here will not be attainable to examine with that factor. I did not miss Monaco.”

The Spanish driver departed McLaren in 2018 in search of contemporary alternatives, subsequently claiming victory on the 24 Hours of Le Mans on two events, together with one triumph whereas nonetheless racing in F1. In 2019, he made one other attempt to qualify for the Indy 500 however failed to make the cut. He tried again the next 12 months, ending in twenty first place, leaving his triple crown ambition unfulfilled.

Alonso returned to F1 in 2021 with Alpine and is now racing for Aston Martin, the workforce he’ll be driving for on the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, which coincides with this 12 months’s Indy 500.