Rossi Rejects Indy 500: Hunter-Reay Occupies McLaren Seat

Zak Brown Reveals Details about the Failed Negotiation with Valentino Rossi for the Indy 500

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, revealed details about the conversations with Valentino Rossi to occupy the fourth seat of McLaren in the next edition of the Indianapolis 500. Despite the conversations, Rossi decided not to participate in the prestigious race. Brown had hinted at the beginning of the year at the possibility of a “mega” signing for the fourth McLaren seat at the Indy 500, leaving the final decision in the hands of the driver in question. Finally, the seat was filled by Ryan Hunter-Reay, winner of the Indy 500 in 2014, an agreement announced last week.

I spoke with Valentino, he loves the Indy 500, he loves big events, he’s prepared for oval racing. But he’s pretty focused on the WEC and only wants that to be his priority. He recognized the level of commitment required and concluded that he probably couldn’t do WEC and Indy properly, so we’ll keep talking.

Zak Brown

Brown, in statements, explained that he had multiple conversations with Rossi, highlighting his love and respect for the Indy 500. However, Rossi chose to focus on his current commitment in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where he competes with a BMW for Team WRT in the LMGT3 class. Brown has managed to attract attention with his drivers at the Indy 500, including F1 world champion Fernando Alonso, two-time Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya, and NASCAR two-time champion Kyle Larson. Rossi, considered one of the best motorcycle racers of all time, is the only road racing rider to have competed in more than 400 Grand Prix. Seven of his nine world championships were in the 500cc/MotoGP class, and he holds the record for most wins in the premier class (89) and podium finishes (199). Unable to secure Rossi, Brown opted for Hunter-Reay, an IndyCar veteran with an Indy 500 victory and an IndyCar title to his name. Hunter-Reay retired from full-time racing after the 2021 season, but has competed in the Indy 500 in the last three seasons, finishing 11th in 2023. Hunter-Reay has also been a runner-up at Indy on two occasions. When asked about the choice of Hunter-Reay after Rossi’s refusal, Brown replied: “because he can win”.