Jenson Button: Fernando Alonso has best shot of anyone at Triple Crown of Motorsport
F1 Drivers NewsSunday, 31 May 2026 at 08:00
Fernando Alonso remains one of two drivers able to pursue the elusive and coveted Triple Crown of Motrosport, and 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button believes the Spaniard still has the best chance of accomplishing the feat.
The Triple Crown consists of victories in the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Alonso has already secured two of those prizes, winning the Monaco Grand Prix in 2006 and 2007 before adding back to back Le Mans victories with Toyota in 2018 and 2019.
That leaves only the Indianapolis 500 standing between the Aston Martin driver and a place among motorsport's most exclusive club.
In his Jenson's Journal for Aston Martin, regarding Alonso's chances, Button wrote: "Fernando probably has the best shot of anyone at completing the Triple Crown because he's already won Monaco and Le Mans, and he's come close at Indy, having led there. If he wants another go at it, he absolutely has a chance."
Button's confidence is rooted in Alonso's remarkable Indianapolis debut in 2017, when the Spaniard stunned the IndyCar paddock despite having no previous oval racing experience.
Alonso's first Indy opportunity slipped away in 2017
Frustrated by McLaren Honda's struggles in Formula 1, Alonso skipped the Monaco Grand Prix to tackle the Indianapolis 500 with Andretti Autosport. It was a bold decision that immediately captured global attention.
The gamble almost paid off. Alonso qualified P5 on the grid and quickly established himself among the front runners. During the race he led 27 laps and remained firmly in contention for victory deep into the closing stages.
However, with less than 20 laps remaining, the Honda engine failed while Alonso was running in the lead group, ending what many still regard as one of the most impressive rookie performances in Indianapolis history.
Despite retiring, Alonso received a standing ovation from fans and was named Rookie of the Year, leaving many convinced he would eventually return to finish the job.
Second setback failed to end the dream
Alonso's second attempt in 2019 proved far more difficult. Competing in McLaren's standalone effort without the support structure that had helped underpin the successful 2017 programme, Alonso endured a troubled month that included a heavy practice crash, limited running and persistent performance issues.
The problems culminated in one of the biggest shocks in recent Indy 500 history when Alonso failed to qualify for the race after being bumped from the field by Kyle Kaiser.
Alonso returned once more in 2020 with Arrow McLaren SP, but clutch issues compromised his race and he finished 21st, one lap down.
Although victory remained elusive, his Indianapolis adventure demonstrated the same versatility and ambition that have defined his career. Having already conquered Monaco and Le Mans, Alonso remains just one victory away from completing a challenge few drivers have even attempted.
Juan Pablo Montoya has won two legs of motorsport's Triple Crown, claiming the Indianapolis 500 in 2000 and 2015 and the Monaco Grand Prix in 2003. The Colombian's only missing achievement is an overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, leaving him one win short of completing the Triple Crown.
Triple Crown of Motorsport unique to Graham Hill
Graham Hill remains the only driver to complete motorsport's Triple Crown, a feat requiring victories in the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The British racer earned the nickname "Mr. Monaco" after winning the famous Formula 1 race five times between 1963 and 1969. He then claimed victory at the Indianapolis 500 on his first attempt in 1966.
Hill completed the historic treble in 1972 by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans alongside Henri Pescarolo in a Matra.
More than five decades later, no driver has matched the achievement, highlighting the extraordinary challenge of succeeding at the highest level across three very different forms of motorsport.
However, the way Button sees it, the dream remains alive. With two thirds of the Triple Crown already secured and evidence from 2017 that he can run at the front at Indianapolis, Alonso still has unfinished business at the Brickyard.
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