In slightly bizarre news, Fernando Alonso has decided to miss one of Formula One’s most prestigious events in favour of an entirely different event.
The Spaniard will not race for McLaren at Monaco’s famous street circuit in May, instead opting to take part in the Indianapolis 500, a race which takes part on an oval track, and which forms part of motor racing’s so-called Triple Crown – Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and the Le Mans 24-hour race.
Judging by this tweet, we’d say the two-time F1 world champion is pretty excited.
Exited. I love RACING. I'm just a RACER. Indy 500 here we come!!! ?????? #mclaren #honda #14 #f1 #indy pic.twitter.com/1LZ50FqSiC
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) April 12, 2017
With two retirements in the first two races of the season, Alonso has grown frustrated with the performance of McLaren and their beleaguered engine supplier Honda – his contract with the team is also set to expire at the end of the season.
Alonso misses MONACO to race in Indy. Seems huge indication how frustrated he is with F1, & harbours little hope of being competitive there.
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) April 12, 2017
The 35-year-old stated his regret at missing Monaco, but is keen to win the Triple Crown, a feat achieved only by Graham Hill – the fans, it seems, would love to see it.
@alo_oficial I have a favorite 2017 #Indy500 driver now. I'm beyond thrilled for you, sir!
— NASCAR Guy (@MegaDriver86) April 12, 2017
Although the Indy 500′s gain is Formula One’s loss.
@GermanSonEu @alo_oficial Yes, that is the downside… :(
— Sarah Holt (@sarahholtf1) April 12, 2017
Fernando Alonso to miss Monaco to race in the Indy 500! #F1 pic.twitter.com/30kYIUkuoS
— WTF1 (@wtf1official) April 12, 2017
But fear not, for every cloud has a silver lining – McLaren’s reserve driver is the recently retired former British world champion, Jenson Button – an Alonso absence could open the door for the Brit.
Silver lining to this Alonso-shaped cloud…potential of @JensonButton strapping himself into an F1 car next month in Monaco…
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) April 12, 2017
Breaking News!
Fernando Alonso will miss this year's #MonacoGP to contest the #Indy500 ??
Could we see a return for JB in Monaco? ?? #C4F1 pic.twitter.com/Gtrr8RlKyw— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) April 12, 2017
Button represents a great option, with over 300 grands prix behind him, although there’s another Brit who could be under consideration – 17-year-old Lando Norris – aside from having a great name – was signed to the team’s young driver programme earlier this year.
Fernando Alonso missing the Monaco GP to do the Indianapolis 500? I hope that means we see @JensonButton one more time pic.twitter.com/mQHo3j4PYW
— Jack Prentice (@JPrentice8) April 12, 2017
A Button return would be something special though – could he even win at the famous street circuit? He’s done it once before, you know.