Why F1's Max Verstappen REFUSES to race Indy 500

verstappen, monza, red bull — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Why Max Verstappen REFUSES to race Indy 500

The Indy 500 is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport

Originally written by Sheona Mountford. This version is a translation.

Sunday 12 October 2025 17:09

F1 champion Max Verstappen has revealed why he refuses to participate in prestigious motorsport event the Indy 500.

The Indy 500 has been won by several F1 drivers over the decades, including Mario Andretti, Jacques Villeneuve and Jim Clark, and the race is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport.

Motorsport's Triple Crown includes a victory in all three of the world’s most prestigious racing events: the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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Graham Hill remains the only driver to achieve all three victories across his career, although the F1 legend believed that the Triple Crown included an F1 world title not the Monaco GP.

Following Verstappen’s GT3 and endurance race debut at the Nurburgring, where he won in dominant fashion, the champion proved his racing ability extends to multiple disciplines, not just F1.

“I’ve been there already when my dad used to race and the atmosphere is amazing. It’s endurance, so many people, driving through the night, sunrise – I think it’s really cool.”

Why won't Verstappen race the Indy 500?

If Verstappen – who is a four-time F1 title holder and two-time Monaco GP winner – were to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he would be one race away from securing the Triple Crown, with only a victory in IndyCar needed to complete the accolade.

The Indy 500 is a 500 mile race that takes place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May, frequently clashing with the Monaco GP weekend. Speaking to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo however, Verstappen confirmed he would never take part in the Indy 500.

It's not the logistics of managing both races that prevents Verstappen from taking part in the Indy 500, but the risk associated with the race that has instead contributed to such a resolute rejection.

"No, I don't want to do it. Not the Dakar, not the Indianapolis 500. No, I'm not really interested,” Verstappen said definitively.

“I like watching it, but it's not the kind of racing I'd like to do after Formula 1. GT car racing is tough, yes, but it's not in the desert, it's in normal conditions.”

When asked if the reason he didn’t want to race in Dakar or Indianapolis was because it was too dangerous, Verstappen added: “Yes, because it's not worth the risk of racing there.

“After Formula 1, you've already risked your life enough for many years. So that's just another risk that, in my opinion, comes a time when it's no longer worth taking.”

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