BREAKING NEWS: Fernando Alonso unexpectedly announced his return to the Indy 500 with McLaren to conquer the ultimate dream of winning the Triple Crown of Motorsport – and the 11 words he sent to the team, “top of the top,” have shaken the entire IndyCar world, sending Zak Brown into a state of extreme excitement: “Is McLaren about to have its first king in history to possess the most prestigious Triple Crown title in the world of motorsport?!”

In a stunning development that has electrified the motorsport community, two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso has confirmed his unexpected return to the Indianapolis 500 with McLaren Racing. The announcement marks a bold new chapter in the Spanish driver’s storied career, as he sets his sights on completing one of the rarest and most coveted achievements in racing: the Triple Crown of Motorsport. This elusive honor—winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indy 500—has only been accomplished by the legendary Graham Hill.

Alonso, already a two-time winner of Monaco and a double victor at Le Mans with Toyota, has long viewed the Indy 500 as the missing piece of his legacy.

The news broke dramatically when Alonso shared a concise yet powerful message with the McLaren team: “top of the top.” Those 11 words, reportedly sent in a private communication that quickly leaked within racing circles, have sent shockwaves through the IndyCar paddock. The phrase, interpreted by many as a declaration of intent to aim for nothing less than victory at the highest level, has ignited speculation and excitement. It underscores Alonso’s unwavering ambition at age 44, proving that his hunger for success remains undiminished even after decades at the pinnacle of the sport.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who has maintained a close relationship with Alonso since their time together in Formula 1, reacted with palpable enthusiasm. Sources close to the team describe Brown as being in a state of extreme excitement, barely containing his glee at the prospect of reuniting with the driver who previously competed for McLaren at Indy in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Brown’s recent public comments had hinted at an open invitation for Alonso to return whenever he was ready, emphasizing that the team possesses a competitive car capable of winning the iconic race.

Now, with the confirmation, Brown is said to have privately mused to associates: “Is McLaren about to have its first king in history to possess the most prestigious Triple Crown title in the world of motorsport?!” The rhetorical question captures the monumental stakes involved—not just for Alonso personally, but for the storied papaya squad, which has yet to claim an Indy 500 victory in the modern era despite strong showings.

Alonso’s previous attempts at the Brickyard were marked by promise and misfortune. In his 2017 debut, he qualified an impressive fifth and ran competitively near the front before an engine failure ended his day prematurely. The 2019 effort saw him fail to qualify amid technical challenges with the McLaren-Honda-Andretti partnership, while 2020 brought a 31st-place finish due to issues. Despite those setbacks, Alonso has spoken fondly of the experience, particularly the magic of his first outing. His decision to return now comes at a pivotal moment.

With his Aston Martin contract in Formula 1 reportedly in its final year and the 2026 regulations on the horizon, Alonso appears poised to prioritize this historic quest. The Indy 500, often called “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” represents the ultimate test of versatility, demanding mastery over ovals, high speeds, and the unpredictable nature of a 200-lap endurance battle.

The Triple Crown holds mythical status in motorsport. Graham Hill achieved it in the 1960s and 1970s, securing Monaco in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, and 1969; Le Mans in 1972; and Indy in 1966. No driver since has joined that exclusive club. Alonso has already ticked off Monaco (wins in 2006 and 2007) and Le Mans (overall victories in 2018 and 2019), making the Indy 500 the final frontier. A triumph would not only cement his place among the all-time greats but also elevate McLaren’s standing across disciplines.

The team has built momentum in IndyCar through Arrow McLaren, with drivers like Pato O’Ward consistently contending for wins. Pairing that setup with Alonso’s experience, precision, and racecraft could create an unbeatable combination.

The announcement has sent ripples far beyond Indianapolis. In Formula 1 circles, it has sparked debates about Alonso’s future beyond the current season. Many believe this move signals a potential wind-down in grand prix racing, allowing him to chase singular, legacy-defining goals. IndyCar fans, meanwhile, are thrilled at the prospect of a global superstar returning to the series, boosting visibility and competition. The “top of the top” message has become a rallying cry online, with enthusiasts interpreting it as Alonso’s promise to deliver peak performance and challenge the established order.

For McLaren, the partnership revival is deeply symbolic. Alonso’s prior stints bridged the team’s F1 struggles and its IndyCar resurgence. Brown’s persistent “bugging” of Alonso about a comeback—mentioned repeatedly in interviews—has finally paid off. The CEO’s vision of a winning car and a driver capable of victory now seems within reach. If Alonso succeeds, it would mark McLaren’s first Indy 500 win since 1976 (with Johnny Rutherford) under different ownership structures, and it would give the organization its first Triple Crown holder.

As preparations ramp up for the 110th Indianapolis 500, all eyes are on Alonso and McLaren. The Spaniard’s return is more than a comeback—it’s a quest for immortality. With “top of the top” echoing through the garages, the IndyCar world braces for what could be one of the most dramatic stories in recent racing history. Victory would not just complete Alonso’s Triple Crown; it would redefine what is possible in modern motorsport and potentially crown McLaren with a new era of greatness.