22 May 2023 , 19:34
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Fernando Alonso appeared to rule out any further attempts to achieve the fabled triple crown of motorsport.
The Spaniard has already completed two of the three achievements needed to join that very exclusive club. It currently contains only one man – the late, great Graham Hill, who won the Monaco Grand Prix five times, was victorious at Le Mans in 1972 and won the Indianapolis 500 six years earlier, at the first attempt.
Alonso wants to join him and has achieved victories in the first two events but, despite three attempts at Indy500 glory between 2017 and 2020, that final piece of the puzzle eludes him. His focus is now fully back on F1 and the 41-year-old is enjoying a remarkable career renaissance with Aston Martin.
Four podiums from five races so far this season have shown there is still plenty of life in the oldest man on the grid. But Alonso remains realistic and knows that, because of his age and the sacrifices required to make a proper attempt at the most iconic IndyCar race, the triple crown is most likely now out of reach.
Speaking to Martin Brundle in a Sky Sports interview, the Spaniard said the desire "is there" – but added the caveat: "I think the commitment it has to be really high and 100 per cent. When I stopped Formula 1 to commit to Indy 500, the month of May there, and then those cars, I think small details can make a big difference there.
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"I'm not maybe up to speed or not as prepared as they are and I have to admit that. If I want to win the Indy 500, I need a few attempts and maximum commitment and run a few ovals beforehand. I think when I stop Formula 1 this time, maybe I don't want that commitment. There is a danger factor as well."
Graham Hill remains the only person ever to complete motorsport's triple crown (Getty Images)Max Verstappen is 16 years younger than Alonso, but has only completed one of the three achievements. But the Red Bull racer has already made it clear that he has no intention of building upon his Monaco Grand Prix success in an attempt to complete the triple crown.
He said: "I never had the desire... at least, not the IndyCar race. I do appreciate what they do. It's insane, those drivers... I have a lot of respect for what they do, but for me now that I've been in F1 for so long, I don't need to risk my life or get an injury to my legs or anything. It's not worth it anymore."
The Dutchman stopped short of ruling out going for two of the three, though, and spoke of his love for endurance racing – hinting at a possible future tilt at the Le Mans trophy. "Maybe Le Mans. I like endurance races, so I'll probably do a few, hopefully soon," he added.