Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, has expressed a strong desire to see two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso make a comeback at the Indianapolis 500. “I’d love to see Fernando back at the Indy 500 with us. That is something I’ll continue to bug him about,” Brown revealed.

Brown is known for such candid statements, which often carry a kernel of truth, especially when it comes to McLaren’s involvement in IndyCar racing. Alonso’s last appearance at the iconic Indy 500 was in 2020, during a race held behind closed doors and postponed to August.

Alonso’s three attempts at the Indy 500 have all been supported by McLaren. He successfully qualified twice for the 33-car field, with his 2017 debut standing out as the most impressive. In that race, Alonso earned top rookie honors after qualifying fifth, led for 27 laps, and was a serious contender for victory until his engine failed while he was running seventh, just 21 laps from the finish.

Arrow McLaren, the IndyCar division of McLaren Racing, has continued to expand its Indy 500 efforts since Alonso’s participation. The team has supported former Indy 500 winners such as Juan Pablo Montoya (2021-22), Tony Kanaan (2023), and two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson (2024-25).

This year, Arrow McLaren welcomes 2014 Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay for a one-off entry during the Month of May festivities, alongside full-time drivers Pato O’Ward, Christian Lundgaard, and Nolan Siegel.

For Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion and 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, winning the Indy 500 would complete racing’s elusive “Triple Crown,” a prestigious achievement only legendary Graham Hill has accomplished.

With Zak Brown’s continued encouragement, Alonso’s return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains an exciting possibility for fans and the racing community alike.