McLaren CEO Zak Brown has candidly admitted that Fernando Alonso's failure to qualify for the 2017 Indianapolis 500 is his "worst experience" in his professional career. The high-profile attempt by McLaren to have two-time Formula 1 champion Alonso compete in the prestigious race ended in disappointment when he failed to make the grid.
Alonso's Indy 500 Attempt
Alonso, known for his versatility and racing prowess, was one of the most anticipated drivers in the 2017 Indy 500. However, his qualifying effort fell short, leaving him and the team disappointed. The failure to qualify was a significant setback for McLaren, which had hoped to make a splash in the world of IndyCar racing.
Brown's Reflection
During an interview at the Autosport Business Exchange, Brown expressed the deep impact of the failure. He emphasized the high stakes and expectations surrounding the event, which made the outcome particularly challenging to accept.
Alonso's Performance
- Alonso entered the race with the No. 66 McLaren-Honda Chevrolet
- He qualified in 34th place out of 35 qualifiers on May 20, 2017
- His average speed was 223.731 mph
- Alonso missed the cut-off speed by only 0.05 mph
Impact and Future Prospects
The failure to qualify did not deter Alonso, who remains open to the idea of returning to IndyCar racing. For McLaren, the experience served as a learning opportunity, highlighting the complexities and challenges of competing in different racing disciplines.
