McLaren's Zak Brown keeps door open for Fernando Alonso Indy 500 return

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has reiterated that Fernando Alonso has a standing invitation to return to the Indianapolis 500 with the team whenever the Spanish driver is ready. Alonso, who last competed in the event in 2020, needs only an Indy 500 victory to complete motorsport's prestigious Triple Crown.

Why it matters:

At 44 years old and in the final year of his current Aston Martin F1 contract, Alonso's future racing plans are a topic of constant speculation. A successful return to IndyCar's biggest race with McLaren would offer him a clear path to achieving a feat only accomplished by Graham Hill, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile drivers in history. For McLaren, reuniting with a driver of Alonso's caliber and global star power would be a major coup for its expanding Arrow McLaren IndyCar program.

The details:

• Brown confirmed he regularly discusses a potential return with Alonso, stating, "I talk to him about it like every time I see him."
• The McLaren CEO believes the team has a car capable of winning the race and that Alonso is "very capable" of doing so, recalling their "magic" first partnership in 2017.
• Alonso's previous three attempts (2017, 2019, 2020) were all with McLaren support. His debut in 2017 was particularly strong, earning Rookie of the Year honors after qualifying fifth, leading 27 laps, and contending for victory until an engine failure with 21 laps remaining.
• Arrow McLaren has maintained a tradition of fielding extra cars for the Indy 500 since Alonso's attempts, running veterans like Juan Pablo Montoya, Tony Kanaan, Kyle Larson, and this year's addition, 2014 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay.

What's next:

Any potential reunion hinges on Alonso's Formula 1 future. While this is the final year of his Aston Martin deal, his continuation in F1 remains possible. Should he decide to step away from the F1 grid, a focused attempt at the Indy 500 with a proven team like McLaren becomes a highly logical and compelling storyline. Brown has made it clear he will "continue to bug him about it," keeping the dream of a Triple Crown completion alive for fans and the driver himself.