Despite an offer from racing legend Mario Andretti, Max Verstappen has firmly ruled out participating in the Indy 500.
The clash between the iconic American race and the Monaco Grand Prix meant no current Formula 1 driver was seen at Indianapolis last weekend.
While it was once common for drivers to switch between the series, such occurrences have become increasingly rare in recent times.
Romain Grosjean’s move from Haas to IndyCar in 2021 is a more recent example, and Fernando Alonso remains the sole active F1 driver to have shown interest by competing in the Indy 500 in 2017 and 2020.
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Mario Andretti, the 1969 Indy 500 winner, wants to change this trend and has set his sights on enticing Verstappen, F1’s current star, to the United States. Andretti revealed his plans to convince Verstappen during an interview with Ziggo Sport at the Indy 500, expressing his passion for different disciplines of motorsport and his desire to see Verstappen compete in the legendary race.
“Motor racing is a big happy family, if you will, all the different disciplines. But for me, I was interested and curious about riding it all, as you can see. I had the passion for all the top disciplines in our sport. And I’ve friends everywhere,” Andretti said.
“So one of these days, I’m going to speak with Max Verstappen after he wins eight World Championships to come here and win the Indy 500!”
However, Verstappen has made it clear that, while participating in other series may be in his future plans, IndyCar is not on the list.
Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, he confirmed his lack of interest in the American racing series, expressing his respect for it but stating that he currently has no intention to participate.
“No, I respect them a lot,” he told reporters in Barcelona.
“I have some friends of mine doing it, but not at the moment, no.”
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This is not the first time Verstappen has dismissed the idea of competing in IndyCar, dismissing the idea of participating when asked last year.
“I’ve no desire to chase the Triple Crown. At least, not Indy,” he said in May 2022.
“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.”