As the Monaco Grand Prix festivities wrapped up, the focus swiftly shifted to the next big event: the legendary Indy 500. However, for Formula 1 stars Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, participating in this high-speed race is off the table.
The final Sunday in May is a motorsport fan’s dream, featuring prominent events like the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indy 500, and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600. These races are not only thrilling spectacles but also prestigious titles that many drivers aspire to win. Yet, even with the allure of the motorsport Triple Crown, Leclerc and Norris are firm in their disinterest in tackling the Indianapolis oval.
Charles Leclerc, who finished second in Monaco, was clear about his stance in the post-race press conference. “It’s a crazy race,” he admitted, highlighting the different level of intensity involved. Leclerc is deeply committed to Formula 1, expressing contentment with his current path. He shared an aspiration closer to his heart: competing in Le Mans with his brother, another leg of the Triple Crown.
Lando Norris, fresh off a Monaco victory, echoed similar sentiments. He praised his former teammate Robert Shwartzman for clinching a pole position at Indianapolis but was unequivocal in his own lack of interest. “Just have no interest in doing it; not my thing,” he stated bluntly, acknowledging the fun he had experienced during a virtual simulation of the race but dismissing the event’s physical demands.
The historical ties between Indy 500 and Formula 1 add layers to this discussion, bringing back memories of drivers like Alberto Ascari and Jim Clark who attempted to conquer both worlds. However, the modern era’s specialized racing schedules and the demands of the F1 calendar suggest that such crossovers are more a thing of the past than a realistic possibility today.
The great exception was Fernando Alonso, who skipped the 2017 Monaco GP to race in the Indy 500, an endeavor that drew significant attention. However, for Leclerc and Norris, the allure of Indianapolis doesn’t outweigh their dedication to Formula 1.
While the Indy 500 remains a revered chapter in motorsport, its current appeal to some F1 drivers like Norris and Leclerc is limited. Their focus and passion lie firmly within the realm of Formula 1, leaving the iconic American race to others willing to take on its unique challenges.
