Max Verstappen's stance on racing the Indy 500 as Red Bull ace makes thoughts clear

Max Verstappen's stance on racing the Indy 500 as Red Bull ace makes thoughts clear Newspoint | 25/05/2025 21:39:09

has established himself as one of the greatest racing drivers on the planet and a four-time world champion, but the Dutchman has no plans to head Stateside for a tilt at the before one day hanging up his racing gloves. The Indy 500 makes up one-third of the Triple Crown of Motorsport (along with the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans) and comprises 200 laps around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Of the current F1 grid, only Fernando Alonso has attempted the race in 2017, 2019, and 2020, with a best finish of 21st. Verstappen has the ability to pose a threat to Graham Hill's record as the only driver ever to win all three legs of the Triple Crown. The four-time F1 world champion is already a Monaco winner and has expressed an interest in driving at Le Mans while still in the prime of his career.

The Indy 500, however, is not on the radar of the 27-year-old. "That I won't achieve, no," he explained in 2023. "I mean, I like watching IndyCar, I think there are a lot of great drivers in there.

"Also, people I raced against [are in IndyCar], you know, so I have a good connection with them and I like seeing them do well. But me driving the Indy 500... absolutely not. I might go there and watch, but not race."

In another interview, the Red Bull star expressed that he believed the race was a survival gamble. "I've no desire to chase the Triple Crown. At least, not Indy," he explained. "I appreciate what they do. It's insane, these drivers.

"I have a lot of respect for what they achieve there, but for me, especially being in F1 for such a long time already, I don't need to risk my life there and potentially injure myself, your legs, whatever. It's just not worth it anymore, let's say like that."

For now, Verstappen is focused on battling Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in F1. The reigning world champion is chasing a record-equalling fifth successive Drivers' Championship crown, but faces considerable competition from the McLaren duo following a challenging start to his title defence.

If Red Bull are unable to close the gap to McLaren, Verstappen will have offers from elsewhere. Mercedes and Aston Martin have both expressed interest in snapping up the ruthless Dutchman, although his loyalties lie with Christian Horner's squad, who have nurtured him on the journey from a teenager into an F1 legend.