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Max Verstappen, the dominant force in Formula 1, has recently made it clear that he has no plans to race in the prestigious Indy500. Despite being a part of motorsport's elite and having an opportunity to experience IndyCar machinery, Verstappen remains uninterested in making the leap to one of the biggest races in the world.
Verstappen’s On Indy500
The Indy500, held annually at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is considered one of the crown jewels of motorsport, and is one of the three races that make up the Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. However, Verstappen doesn’t see himself competing in the event, despite its historical significance.
During a recent interview with Road and Track ahead of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked about his interest in potentially racing in the Indy500. His response was direct and unambiguous:
"I'll watch, maybe I'll walk up one day to watch it live because I think it's a great experience there in Indianapolis, but for me I have no desire to do the Indy 500."
Acknowledging the Challenge of IndyCar
While Verstappen expressed no interest in the Indy500, he did acknowledge the difficulty and skill required in IndyCar racing. The Indy500 is famous for its high-speed, low-downforce setup, which requires a unique set of skills, including mastering slipstreaming and managing race strategy on an oval track with no sharp turns. Former F1 drivers like Marcus Ericsson have taken part in the Indy500, and even won, underlining the competitiveness and talent within the series.
Verstappen also mentioned that he had been following the series closely. He reflected on his connection with some of the top IndyCar drivers, including reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who Verstappen raced against during their karting days:
"I have no desire to drive the Indy 500, but I respect a lot what they're doing. There are a lot of great drivers in the series, that's why I try to watch it when I'm home. Some of these guys that are driving there, like Alex [Palou], I grew up with Alex in go-karting on the same team," he added.
Bonding with IndyCar Drivers
Verstappen also took a moment to express pride in seeing fellow drivers succeed in the IndyCar series, particularly Alex Palou and Scott Dixon. He shared that it’s always special to reconnect with drivers he grew up racing with, and how meeting them as peers now in the racing world has been rewarding.
"I'm obviously proud to see what he's achieved there. Meeting Scott [Dixon] who has achieved a lot in IndyCar and sports ca
"I'm obviously proud to see what he's achieved there. Meeting Scott [Dixon] who has achieved a lot in IndyCar and sports cars, and these guys explaining stuff to you here before you jump in the car, it's nice to meet up with other drivers from all over the world and share the same passion at the end of the day," he said.
Verstappen Talks About the Significance of IndyCar and Other Racing Series
Max Verstappen also discussed the importance of other racing series, such as IndyCar and Super Formula, which provide drivers with opportunities to compete beyond Formula 1. While his current focus remains firmly on F1, Verstappen appreciates the competitive nature of these series and the growing presence of European drivers in American open-wheel racing.
"It's hard to do different things at the moment. Between F1, IndyCar, they're all popular in their own right, in their own areas of the world. It's nice to see also in IndyCar, for example, there are more European drivers taking that route. I think that's great, because there are so many competitive series all over the world, like in Japan with Super Formula. It's great to see that drivers always find a way," Verstappen said.
Verstappen’s Future with Red Bull
As for his own future, Max Verstappen's current contract with Red Bull Racing runs through 2028. Although he’s clearly open to watching other forms of motorsport and staying connected with other drivers, he remains committed to his Formula 1 career for the foreseeable future. With a clear focus on his current achievements in F1, it’s evident that Verstappen’s attention is firmly set on continuing his dominance in the sport.
For now, he has firmly closed the door on racing in the Indy500, but his respect for the series and its drivers remains unwavering. Fans can expect Verstappen to keep his options open as his career progresses, but for the time being, F1 remains his primary focus.
