Fernando Alonso is reportedly negotiating with Michael Andretti for a return to the Indy 500.
In 2017, Alonso was charging for victory at the Brickyard in an Andretti-prepared McLaren entry when his Honda engine failed.
But last year, as McLaren went it alone without Andretti Autosport’s support, Alonso failed even to qualify.
So it is interesting that according to Spain’s AS newspaper, Alonso is back in talks with Andretti rather than McLaren.
That is despite the fact that McLaren will field two cars in the Indy 500 next year. McLaren supremo Zak Brown says it is possible Alonso will get a third car.
But citing ‘sources familiar with the negotiations’, AS correspondent Jesus Balseiro says Alonso is more interested in racing for Andretti next year.
“The deal is not done,” Balseiro said.
“The most important obstacle is that Andretti uses Honda engines,” he added, reminding readers of the “tumultuous past” of the Spanish driver and the Japanese marque.