Zak Brown open to Alonso Indy 500 return with McLaren

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has publicly expressed his desire to see Fernando Alonso return to race for the team at the Indianapolis 500, stating he will "continue to bug him about it." Brown believes both his team and the driver have what it takes to finally win the iconic race.

Why it matters:

Alonso is one of the most accomplished drivers of his generation, but the Indy 500 remains the elusive final piece of motorsport's unofficial 'Triple Crown.' A victory would place him alongside only Graham Hill in history, cementing a unique legacy that spans Formula 1, endurance racing, and American open-wheel competition. For McLaren, securing a driver of Alonso's caliber and global appeal for the marquee event is a significant commercial and competitive coup.

The details:

• Brown made the comments during the opening of McLaren's new Racing Centre in Indianapolis, highlighting the team's ongoing commitment to the event.
• Alonso and McLaren have a shared but unfulfilled history at the Brickyard. Their collaborations in 2017, 2019, and 2020 were marred by mechanical failure, a failure to qualify, and a low finish, despite showing winning pace.
• The two-time F1 champion's current contract with Aston Martin concludes at the end of the 2026 F1 season, though he is deeply invested in their project with Adrian Newey.
• Brown emphasized his enjoyment of working with Alonso, calling their 2017 attempt "magic," and believes the current McLaren IndyCar package is a winning one.

What's next:

While the door is open, Alonso's immediate focus is firmly on his Formula 1 duties with Aston Martin. The driver himself has acknowledged the Indy 500 is "on the wishlist" but has expressed uncertainty about a future attempt. For the 2026 race, McLaren has already confirmed IndyCar veteran Ryan Hunter-Reay. Any potential Alonso reunion would be a complex logistical puzzle, dependent on his F1 future and personal desire to once again tackle one of racing's greatest challenges.