Mario Andretti comments on Fernando Alonso potentially making Indy 500 return with Andretti Global

Two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso has participated in the Indy 500 thrice, with all his entries coming in the mid-late 2010s. Motorsports legend Mario Andretti recently came out and commented on the Spaniard making a return to the Indy 500 with Andretti Global.

Fernando Alonso won his F1 title in 2005 and 2006, and since then has come close to the title multiple times, but never won. After a disastrous stint with McLaren in the turbo hybrid era, the Spaniard decided to give the Indy 500 a shot. The two-time champion missed the 2017 Monaco GP to race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a collaborative entry between McLaren and Andretti.

The Spaniard, qualified P5 on his Indy 500 debut, fell back after a slow start, but was back up with the leading pack. Alonso was one of the contenders for the win and led 27 laps before the Honda engine failed with just 21 laps remaining.

During Alonso's sabbatical from F1, he raced in the Indy 500s and the 24 Hours of LeMans. The F1 star did not qualify for the 2019 Indy 500 after struggles with setup and faced a clutch issue during the 2020 race. Alonso is also a two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, winning the event in 2018 and 2019 with Toyota Gazoo Racing.

AUTO: MAY 19 IndyCar Series - 103rd Indianapolis 500 Pole Day - Source: Getty

Fernando Alonso made a return to F1 in 2021 with Alpine, and currently races for Aston Martin Racing, with the hopes of winning his third F1 title. The Spaniard is just an Indy 500 victory away from achieving the triple crown (Monaco GP, Indy 500 and 24 Hours of LeMans). Graham Hill is the only driver in history to accomplish the triple crown.

Mario Andretti recently sat down with Marca for an interview, where he was questioned whether Andretti would be open to giving Fernando Alonso another shot at the Indy 500.

“Anything can happen. It's to see if everything fits in time. We can't promise anything but as a team you always look at the best opportunities, just as the drivers look for the best teams. If you are someone who is always among the best, the teams will always love you,” replied Mario Andretti “Everyone is looking for talent, because it is scarce. But special talent is much weirder and everyone wants it. As a team leader is what you have to look for. The goal is to have something that your rivals don't have, that's the game,” he added

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“Good chance it will be my last year”: Fernando Alonso comments on possible retirement after 2026

F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi - Source: Getty

Fernando Alonso has been racing in F1 for well over two decades and is the driver with the most F1 race starts. The Spaniard came out during the 2025 season and spoke with AS.com, detailing how 2026 can be his last year in F1 if Aston Martin builds a competitive car.

“It depends on how I feel next year, how I feel physically and mentally. But I don't know. I don't have a clear idea right now. If the car goes well, there's a good chance it will be my last year,” said the Aston Martin driver “Yes. I know I have a better chance of doing well in 2027 or 2028, when there's stability in the team we have now with Adrian Newey and the others. They might do well in the first year, but by the second or third, they're guaranteed to do well. But I have to consider it myself. If the car goes badly, there's a good chance I'll stay for another year to finish on a positive note. If the car goes well, 2026 will probably be my last year,” added Fernando Alonso

With the new state-of-the-art factory and wind tunnel, and Adrian Newey leading the project, Aston Martin will definitely be one of the teams to look out for in 2026.

Edited by Pranay Bhagi