Monaco GP date shift sparks speculation on F1 Drivers' interest in Indy 500

The motorsport calendar is set for a shake-up in 2026 as Formula One’s iconic Monaco Grand Prix will no longer coincide with the Indianapolis 500. Notably, the legendary American race Indy 500, along with Monaco, forms part of the esteemed “Triple Crown of Motorsport.” With this shift, speculation is mounting over whether active F1 drivers might seize the chance to participate in the Indy 500, a race that has largely been off-limits to F1 drivers due to the scheduling conflict.

Under the recent six-year extension between Formula One and the Automobile Club of Monaco, the Monaco GP will remain a staple of the F1 season until at least 2031. Starting in 2026, however, it will shift from its traditional late May slot—typically held on Memorial Day weekend—to a new date in June. This change means that the Indy 500, which takes place over the Memorial Day weekend, could now fit into F1 drivers' schedules without requiring them to skip the Monaco race, as previously was the case.

The last F1 driver to attempt the Indy 500 while actively competing in F1 was Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, who skipped Monaco in 2017 to make a bold appearance at Indianapolis with McLaren’s IndyCar team. Alonso’s attempt ultimately ended in disappointment when an engine failure forced him out of the race after 179 laps. Despite the outcome, his daring crossover showcased both his determination and the unique appeal of the Indy 500 among elite motorsport events.

Will rookies join Alonso?

Alonso is one of the few drivers with two-thirds of the “Triple Crown”—having claimed victory twice at both Monaco and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Yet he has publicly downplayed his ambitions for the Indy 500. In a 2020 interview, Alonso admitted that his desire to win Indy had waned, citing the high danger of the event, which he noted often involves significant crashes. He explained, “There is the danger factor… Now I am fully focused on F1. And when I stop F1, I don’t know if I will be tempted to try again.”

The gruelling 24-race F1 calendar poses a challenge for drivers contemplating additional races. However, the separation of dates opens a path for others to consider the Indy 500, even as Formula One’s schedule remains demanding. If any current driver were to pursue the Indy 500, they would be following Alonso’s lead while striving to join Graham Hill as the only driver to have completed the Triple Crown.

While it remains to be seen whether F1 drivers will leap, the date shift stirs excitement in motorsport circles. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see if the Indy 500 becomes a new ambition for some of F1's top talents.