Verstappen gives definitive answer on any Indy 500 attempts

Max Verstappen has given a definitive answer on whether he would enter the Indy 500 for a 'triple crown' attempt.

The race returns on its traditional slot of the same weekend as the Monaco Grand Prix in 2023, putting to rest any chances of seeing a current Formula 1 driver on the grid.

The last current F1 driver to take part in the race was Fernando Alonso, who entered the 2017 race in-season while driving for McLaren.

Former Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson also made headlines when he won the Indy 500 last year, while McLaren F1 reserve driver Alex Palou will start from pole for the 2023 race.

But would Verstappen be up for taking on the so-called 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing?'

"I like watching IndyCar, I think there are a lot of great drivers in there and also people I raced against. I have a good relationship with them and I like to see them do well," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"But me driving the Indy 500? Absolutely not. I might go there and watch, but not race."

Verstappen wants to emulate Alonso

When Alonso parted ways with McLaren at the end of the 2018 season, his two-year F1 sabbatical entailed him winning two Le Mans titles and the Daytona 24 Hours endurance races.

Alonso has also won two thirds of the triple crown with his victories at Monaco in 2006, then latterly Le Mans in 2018 and 2019.

Verstappen said he would like to emulate Alonso if he gets the opportunities when his Red Bull contract expires in 2028, but believes there would be little point in returning to F1 if it was not in a competitive car.

"I'm still very young, but I always said that I also want to do other kind of competitions, a bit like what Fernando did," he said.

"But also when you're winning a lot, or at least driving at the front, it needs to be also worth it to come back.

"Because if you then come back and you don't really have a chance of winning, then it's probably even harder to motivate yourself."