McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris has firmly declared that he has no intention of racing in the Indianapolis 500 in the future, despite ongoing discussions about the prestigious motorsport Triple Crown. His statement came shortly after the 109th running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which took place hours after Norris secured victory at the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.
This year’s Indy 500 was won by Spanish driver Alex Palou, who outpaced former F1 racer Marcus Ericsson to claim one of IndyCar’s most celebrated wins. The event featured notable competitors like NASCAR champion Kyle Larson, while former Formula 1 champions such as Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button have also contested the race in previous years.
Norris Expresses Disinterest in the Indy 500 Challenge
When asked about the possibility of competing in the Indy 500, Norris responded without hesitation.
“It is something I will never do,”
he said after congratulating his former Formula Renault teammate Robert Shwartzman on securing the pole position for the event.
“I can say it right now, I’m not doing it. Just have no interest in doing it. Not my thing.”
Although Norris admitted he had tried racing the Indy 500 on a simulator, describing it as “quite fun,” he also mentioned, “but I got taken out.” This realistic experience did not alter his stance on participating in the real race.
Respect for IndyCar Drivers but Preference for Formula 1 Style Racing
Norris expressed his admiration for IndyCar drivers, stating,
“I have a lot of respect for these guys,”
acknowledging the high level of talent within American racing circuits. He noted that some drivers from IndyCar could potentially succeed in Formula 1. However, he concluded,
“But, yeah, I like turning right as well. So, that’s the main thing,”
highlighting his preference for the racing dynamics typical in F1.
Despite questions about whether the lure of completing motorsport’s Triple Crown—winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans—might influence his decision, Norris firmly replied “Nope.” This accolade, famously achieved only by Graham Hill, remains a challenging milestone few drivers have claimed.
Indy 500 and Motorsport’s Ongoing Appeal
The Indy 500 continues to attract a diverse array of top-level racers from different disciplines, including Formula 1 and NASCAR, highlighting its prestige within the global motorsport community. This blend of talent and competition ensures the event’s enduring status as a key fixture on the racing calendar.
Given Norris’ decisive stance, fans and analysts can expect him to continue focusing exclusively on his Formula 1 career, prioritizing the style of racing he enjoys most. Meanwhile, drivers like Alex Palou and Kyle Larson maintain the spotlight at Indianapolis, where talent and tradition intersect.
