When Fernando Alonso left F1 in 2018, he made it clear that it wasn’t a retirement from racing. Instead, he moved to the US, where he decided to join the IndyCar series and move a step closer to achieving the ‘Triple Crown’, having already won the Monaco GP and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Unfortunately for Alonso, he joined a team that was struggling even across the pond- McLaren. Alonso first took part in the Indy 500 in 2017, when McLaren allowed him to leave F1 and represent them in the US during the Monaco GP weekend. However, he could muster only a 24th-place finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
At the end of the 2018 F1 season, he announced that he was taking a break from the sport. He made it a mission to focus on completing his Indy 500 dream, but luck wasn’t on his side. In 2019, he didn’t even qualify for the main race because of McLaren’s poor car, and in 2020, he finished 21st.
Fast forward to 2023 and Alonso is standing on the F1 podium once again. On the other hand, his former Indy team McLaren is creating shockwaves in the US, with four of their cars in the top eight at the 2023 Indy 500.
Fernando Alonso leaves the door open for Indy 500 return
At the moment, very few drivers in F1 are enjoying life as much as Fernando Alonso is. His bold decision of leaving Alpine for Aston Martin this season has paid off, and he is competing at the front of the grid once again.
However, when asked if the glamour and success of the Indy 500 for McLaren tempts him to make a comeback to the series, Alonso said, “There is desire.”
Nevertheless, he is thoroughly enjoying his time in F1 at the moment. The Oviedo-born driver is sure about Aston Martin’s sustained level of success and growth, and plans to stick around until they start winning races. At 41 years old, he admits that he could return to the Indy 500, but has to be 100% committed.
In an interview with Sky F1, Alonso said, “I think that the commitment must be really high and 100%, because there is also a danger factor. When I stopped with Formula 1 to devote myself to the 500 Miglia, I realized that small details can make a big difference. And maybe I’m not in step with the times or I’m not prepared like them, and I have to admit it.”
Alonso not sure about committing to Indy
Even though Alonso is still going strong in F1 despite his old age, he can’t carry on forever. Changing his racing style once again for the Indy will require a lot of effort from the Spaniard. For the time being, he is satisfied and happy with F1.
However, when he decides to retire from Formula 1 once again, Alonso doesn’t see himself emulating what he did last time. The Aston Martin star admits that he’s not ready to take up this commitment.
This season in F1, Alonso is currently P3 in the standings with 75 points to his name.
