Fernando Alonso has revealed that this year’s Indianapolis 500 will be the last one he will attempt for at least a couple years.
With the Spaniard securing a ride back in Formula 1 with Renault for the next two seasons, he will not have the time needed to run the full two weeks of practice and qualifying that comes along with the Indy 500. As the schedule is planned for now, the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix would fall on the same weekend as qualifying and would leave him precious little track time on the 2.5-mile oval.
In addition, each of Alonso’s Indy 500 attempts have been at the invitation of McLaren, and he implied that he would not be able to maintain that same relationship while being employed by Renault on the world stage.
“I think I approach the race knowing the next two years is going to be impossible to come,” said Alonso. “I will have to miss qualifying weekend if I wanted to do so.
“I will not be any more with McLaren next year in F1. That will not work either. I know at least for two years I will not be here.
“Look, this is the way it is at the moment. I’m here ready to enjoy the event, ready to give my best, and help the team as much as I can. Let’s see in the future what are the possibilities. If you eventually win one day the race, maybe that opens the possibility for different things.”
This year, Alonso does not have a full-season drive in any series, and is fully committed to putting in a top performance at the Indy 500. Both he and McLaren have learned lessons from last year when they failed to be quick enough to even qualify for the race.
The veteran racer will get a feel for his car and see how his times stack up against the rest of the field tomorrow on the opening day of practice.
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