Fernando Alonso stunned the Formula 1 world in 2017 when he chose to bypass the Monaco Grand Prix to compete in the Indianapolis 500. The Spanish driver, then with McLaren, aimed to pursue motorsport's unofficial triple crown, which includes wins at the Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Alonso, a two-time F1 world champion, had won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2006 and 2007. However, with McLaren struggling for competitiveness, he opted for the Indy 500 challenge. 'The Indy 500 is one of the most famous races on the global motorsport calendar,' he said at the time. 'It's of course a regret of mine that I won't be able to race at Monaco this year, but I'll be back for the Canadian Grand Prix.'
As a rookie at the 2017 Indy 500, Alonso qualified fifth and led 27 laps before his Honda engine failed on lap 179, forcing retirement. He later remarked, 'I won two times at Monaco... To drive around Monaco for a sixth or seventh place... To be here is not possible to compare.'
Alonso left McLaren in 2018 and went on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice. He attempted the Indy 500 again in 2019 but failed to qualify, and in 2020 finished 21st. His quest for the triple crown remains unfulfilled.
Now driving for Aston Martin in F1, Alonso will race at the Canadian Grand Prix on the same day as the 2026 Indy 500, which takes place on Sunday.
