McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, has extended a standing invitation to Fernando Alonso, welcoming him back to the Indianapolis 500 at any point he wishes.
The racer from Spain, presently getting ready for the 2026 Formula 1 season alongside Aston Martin and their fresh engine supplier Honda, has not participated in the Indy 500 since the 2020 event. That race took place without spectators and was pushed back to August because of the global COVID-19 health crisis.
Each of his three prior participations was part of a McLaren-backed initiative, allowing him to secure a qualifying spot on two occasions. Without question, his most impressive performance was his inaugural race in 2017, where he was recognized as the top newcomer. He started fifth, led for 27 laps, and was a strong contender for the win until his engine failed when he was in seventh place with 21 laps left.
Since Alonso’s participations, Arrow McLaren, McLaren’s IndyCar division, has consistently broadened its involvement to back Indy 500 entries. They have featured past Indy 500 champions Juan Pablo Montoya (in 2021-22) and Tony Kanaan (in 2023), as well as two-time NASCAR Cup Series titleholder Kyle Larson (for 2024-25).
The current year follows this trend, with Ryan Hunter-Reay, the 2014 Indy 500 victor, joining the team for a single appearance, competing alongside regular drivers Pato O’Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel.
On Wednesday, during the inauguration of the McLaren Racing Center, which serves as Arrow McLaren’s new base, Autosport inquired with Brown regarding the possibility of rejoining forces with Alonso for another attempt at the Indy 500.
Fernando Alonso, Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet
Photo by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images
Regarding Ryan, Brown stated, “I am very pleased to have Ryan driving for us this year. He certainly possesses the skill to triumph at the Indy 500, which leads me to believe our chances have improved significantly with his inclusion in the lineup.”
Brown subsequently shared his perspective on Alonso, who is currently 44 years old and nearing the end of his existing contract with Aston Martin.
Having claimed the Formula 1 world championship twice and also conquered the Le Mans 24 Hours on two occasions, Alonso requires merely an Indy 500 victory to achieve motorsport’s Triple Crown—a distinction that only the iconic Graham Hill has previously managed.
Brown commented, “However, following that, and after Fernando concludes his F1 career—this is his final year under contract, though it doesn’t preclude him from continuing—I bring up the subject with him whenever we meet.”
He added, “I believe we possess a vehicle fully capable of winning the Indy 500. Moreover, I am confident in his substantial ability to secure a victory there. I genuinely relished competing alongside him. He found most of his experiences enjoyable, save for one year, but his debut season was truly cherished. It was, simply put, extraordinary.”
Brown concluded, “My strong desire is to witness Fernando’s return to the Indy 500 with our team. This is a topic I will persist in pestering him about.”
