Zak Brown Open to McLaren and Fernando Alonso Indy 500 Reunion

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - McLaren CEO Zak Brown has admitted he would like to reunite with Fernando Alonso at the Indianapolis 500 in the future, raising the prospect of another collaboration between McLaren and the two time Formula 1 world champion outside the F1 championship.

Alonso first joined McLaren in 2007, but his partnership with the team lasted only one season after a difficult campaign alongside rookie Lewis Hamilton. The Spaniard later returned to McLaren in 2015 when the team entered its works partnership with Honda, though that period delivered limited on track success.

A different opportunity emerged in 2017 when Alonso was granted permission to skip the Monaco Grand Prix in order to contest the Indianapolis 500 in a joint entry involving McLaren, Andretti, and Honda. Alonso was a contender for victory before an engine failure forced his retirement. He returned to the event in 2019, but failed to qualify after being eliminated during the qualifying process.

With Alonso currently contracted to Aston Martin only through the end of the present season, Brown has acknowledged that the timing could present an opportunity to revisit the idea of an Indy 500 entry together.

“This is his last contractual year, but that does not mean he will not continue in Formula 1,” Brown said.
“I talk to him about the Indy 500 every time I see him.”

Brown also expressed confidence in McLaren’s competitiveness at Indianapolis, as well as Alonso’s ability to succeed at the event.

“I think we have a car that can win the Indianapolis 500,” he added.
“And I think he is very capable of winning the Indianapolis 500.”

Victory at Indianapolis would see Alonso become only the second driver in history to complete motorsport’s Triple Crown, following Graham Hill. Despite the significance of that milestone, Alonso has not offered any clear indication that he intends to return to the race.

Nevertheless, Brown confirmed that McLaren’s door remains open should Alonso decide to pursue another attempt at the iconic American event.

“I thoroughly enjoyed racing with him here,” Brown said.
“He enjoyed all of it except one of the years.”

“He loved the first year. It was magic. I would love to see Fernando back at the Indy 500 with us, and that is something I will continue to talk to him about.”

As McLaren continues to strengthen its presence in IndyCar and Alonso weighs his future beyond his current Formula 1 contract, the possibility of a reunion at the Indianapolis 500 remains an intriguing option for both parties.