While Fernando Alonso’s future remains uncertain, it’s clear the INDYCAR paddock would welcome him in 2019.
In the hours after Alonso posted a dramatic social media goodbye to Formula One (see below), where he racked up 97 podiums, 32 wins and two world championships, speculation about his future continued to rise. Mark Miles, President and CEO of Hulman & Company, which owns INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, issued a statement in response.
“Today’s announcement certainly has fueled excitement among INDYCAR fans who hope that Alonso will compete throughout the championship in 2019,” Miles said. “McLaren is working to put all the necessary arrangements in place, and we are supporting their efforts. I don’t expect this to be resolved until closer to the end of this year.”
Alonso gained worldwide attention when he opted to drive in the 2017 Indianapolis 500 instead of F1’s Monaco Grand Prix on the same day. The Spaniard said it was part of a goal to win motorsports’ Triple Crown – Monaco, the Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And while he led the Indianapolis 500, his day ended early with an engine failure 21 laps from the finish.
That month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, however, gave current drivers a glimpse of Alonso’s ability on the track.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, one of Alonso’s teammates with Andretti Autosport at Indy last year, told reporters Tuesday he’d love to once again work with Alonso in the Verizon IndyCar Series.
“That would be great, absolutely,” Hunter-Reay said. “I've been saying it for a while, this series is the most competitive series in the world, no doubt. You cannot name who is going to win each race. There are no favorites. There's a long list of winners even from this year. You have a really tight championship.
“It would be appealing to me, if I were him. I spent time with him as his teammate. He's as hungry as ever to win. I think INDYCAR is a great spot. INDYCAR stock continues to rise for that reason.”
While no announcements of Alonso or his McLaren team joining the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2019 appear imminent, the drama continues to build.