Alonso choosing Indy 500 over Monaco GP 'not ideal'

Chase Carey has admitted he would prefer if Fernando Alonso was preparing for next month's Monaco grand prix. Actually, the Spaniard is sitting out F1's 'jewel in the crown' event, and this week started testing for the Indy 500 whose race date clashes with Monaco.

"Under Bernie (Ecclestone), formula one was a business that said no to everything," new F1 supremo Carey told the Spanish press this week. "Now we want to say yes to many more things," he added.


One of those 'yes' answers was a tentative one to McLaren's Indy 500 foray, with Ecclestone admitting he would have campaigned against it. Carey said: "I have mixed feelings. I would love to have Fernando in Monaco, driving a car with the possibility to win the race. But unfortunately, this does not seem possible in the short term."

"I understand his motives for seeking a challenge that motivates him and his choice is respected," Carey added. "And it is also indirectly beneficial to us as a great F1 driver who reaches the American audience in a different way. But it is not an ideal situation," he acknowledged. "If I could choose, I would prefer to see him in Monaco."

"That one of your stars decides to make a temporary jump to another competition is not positive," said Carey. "It is an unusual and unfortunate situation, especially for his team and also for us as organisers. But you also have to be pragmatic and constructive." (GMM)

Maybe not, but I dont mind, means that I get to see my favourite driver race at a track I like one more time. A pity I wont be able to see it IRL. McLaren Honda doesnt necessarily lose on it anyway, seeing as Alonso will still race in a McLaren Honda, just somewhere else.

  • 1
  • May 5 2017 - 11:09

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • Maybe not, but I dont mind, means that I get to see my favourite driver race at a track I like one more time. A pity I wont be able to see it IRL. McLaren Honda doesnt necessarily lose on it anyway, seeing as Alonso will still race in a McLaren Honda, just somewhere else.

    • + 1
    • May 5 2017 - 11:09

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Aston Martin
  • Points 628
  • Podiums 9
  • Grand Prix 193
  • Country ES
  • Date of b. Jul 29 1981 (44)
  • Place of b. Oviedo, ES
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.71 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar