Brown: A top 5 finish would be great for Fernando Alonso at Indianapolis

Zak Brown, the new CEO of McLaren, is behind Fernando Alonso’s American project. After successful qualifications and finishing in fifth place on the grid, the American is satisfied with the project so far: « For now, our project for the Indy 500 has gone well. But we still have 500 miles to go, and that’s the hardest part. It’s after the race that we’ll be able to say if it’s a success. »

If this project was initiated, it’s because the team must strive to satisfy its star driver, who is approaching the end of his contract. Zak Brown was therefore delighted to be able to offer a competitive car to the Spaniard and to see that his thirst for victory is not yet quenched since he expressed some frustration regarding a small technical issue that prevented him from being on the front row. But this adventure was not only beneficial for the driver: « It was good for everyone, for Fernando, the team, Honda, and the fans » commented the successor of Ron Dennis.

It should also not be forgotten that this withdrawal in Monaco and the subsequent announcement of Jenson Button’s return provided an opportunity to generate positive content about the team, which had not been the case since the beginning of the season due to the recurring problems with its Honda power unit. Therefore, he believes that the team did not sacrifice much by going without their key asset for one of the most atypical races of the season.

Being able to drive in another discipline is also a way to make him even better since he is now able to understand how an IndyCar works, which can provide him with different reference points when he makes his return to F1.

But from a general perspective, Fernando Alonso’s commitment also highlighted the benefit of increasing social media engagement and connecting with fans, as F1 has been doing since the change of ownership. Thus, he was not surprised by the huge media buzz generated by the announcement of his participation. However, he was pleasantly surprised to see that his initial tests, broadcast on IndyCar’s YouTube channel, were followed by two million people worldwide: « This demonstrates one thing to the world of motorsports: that fans want to interact if they are provided with content in an innovative way. This allows for immediate reactions on all social networks, which is not necessarily the case with television. »

From a commercial standpoint, it was observed that all the team’s F1 sponsors were also present on the American car. This was done at no additional cost to them but is actually a form of compensation for them: « It is important to know when we are performing well and when we are not. Currently, we are not performing well on the track. This has a direct impact on the exposure of our sponsors. They are not receiving what they signed up for. This is a way to compensate them. »

If from the announcement of this participation Fernando Alonso proclaimed his dream ambition to win the famous race, Zak Brown asserts that no specific target has been set: “He is definitely going there to win. We haven’t discussed in detail what could be considered a good result. Let’s say that any result outside the top 5 isn’t necessarily as satisfying. But a top 5 finish would be great.”

However, even in the case of a final victory after 200 laps of the Indianapolis oval, the harsh reality of the F1 situation will quickly return to the Spaniard’s mind: « His smile will linger for some time. We are working hard to be more competitive in every race. He was very pleased with his qualifying lap in Spain. So as long as he feels he can be competitive and we are heading in the right direction, he will continue to be patient. But it is clear that there will be other frustrations in the future. » The double world champion has already made it known that he is giving himself until September or October to make a decision regarding his future.

But while satisfaction is currently present, the impressive crash of Sébastien Bourdais when the Frenchman was close to securing pole position served as a reminder of how dangerous this race can be and that nothing should ever be taken for granted until the checkered flag.

From our special correspondent in Monaco