McLaren's Zak Brown eyes Fernando Alonso reunion for Indy 500 bid

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has publicly expressed his desire to partner again with two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso for an attempt at the Indianapolis 500, should the Spaniard be open to another run at the iconic race. Brown, who maintains a friendly relationship with Alonso, believes the combination of McLaren's competitive car and Alonso's talent could finally secure the victory that has eluded them in two previous attempts.

Why it matters:

A victory at the Indy 500 is the final piece Alonso needs to complete motorsport's unofficial 'Triple Crown'—winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500. Only Graham Hill has achieved this feat. For McLaren, successfully helping a legend like Alonso complete this legacy-defining goal would be a massive promotional and historical coup, adding another layer to their rich Indianapolis history.

The details:

• Brown confirmed he discusses the Indy 500 with Alonso "every time I see him," keeping the idea alive despite Alonso's current focus on his F1 drive with Aston Martin.
• The CEO is confident in the package, stating, "I think we've got a car that can win the Indy 500. I think he's very capable of winning the Indy 500."
• Their history is a mix of magic and frustration. Their first collaboration in 2017, when Alonso skipped the Monaco GP, was highly successful until a late-race engine failure while contending for the lead.
• The 2019 attempt ended in dramatic disappointment when Alonso and McLaren failed to qualify for the race.
• Alonso's previous F1 stints with McLaren (2007 and 2015-2018) were fraught with tension and underperformance, making a potential successful Indy partnership a unique, positive chapter in their complex shared history.

What's next:

The ball is firmly in Alonso's court. With his Aston Martin F1 contract expiring at the end of 2026, his future plans remain open. Brown has issued an open invitation, vowing to "continue to bug him about it." Any move would depend on Alonso's willingness to undertake the intense preparation required and to potentially partner with the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team. If both parties commit, the 2025 or 2026 Indy 500 could feature one of the most compelling storylines in recent memory.