One of the most challenging achievements for the drivers in the racing world is winning the Triple Crown. The last and the only driver to have ever won the Triple Crown was Graham Hill. The crown comprises Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix, IndyCar’s Indianapolis 500, and the World Endurance Championship’s Le Mans 24-hour race. Only two modern drivers have won two out of the three races. The two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso has won the Monaco GP. He has also clinched the Le mans 24 Hours with Toyota in 2018 and 2019. But unfortunately, the 40-year-old has not been able to triumph in the Indy 500 despite two starts.
Meanwhile, Juan Pablo Montoya has won the Monaco GP and two Indy 500 races. However, the Le Mans has stayed out of the Columbian driver’s reach. The 46-year-old achieved an incredible feat by winning the race in the LMP2 class. However, it does not come under the Triple Crown. The 2022 Indy 500 was scheduled hours after the F1 race in Monaco, where former F1 driver Marcus Ericsson won this year’s championship. After Red Bull clinched a victory in Monaco, the two drivers were asked if they were interested in chasing after the Triple Crown in the upcoming feature. However, the reigning world champ was not too keen on putting his life on the line to win the Triple Crown as he considers the Indy 500 to be one of the deadliest races.
Verstappen Will Not Challenge For The Triple Crown
Max Verstappen was asked if he had plans to compete at the Indianapolis 500 in the future, as the world’s toughest oval race takes place on the same day as the Monaco GP. The 24-year-old, who has already won a Grand Prix in Monaco, said that he has no desire to chase the Triple crown, at least not IndyCar. The Dutchman further shared that he had a lot of respect for what the IndyCar drivers have achieved. Being in F1 for a long time, Max does not feel the need to risk his life at the Indy 500 and potentially injure himself. He added, “It’s just not worth it anymore, let’s say like that.”
But, Verstappen did enter the Virtual Le Mans 24 Hours in 2021, where he crashed out. However, he has indicated that he would like to compete in the Le mans 24 Hours for a real race. Verstappen shared that he loves endurance races. So, he hopes to participate in the Le Mans soon. Max reckoned, “I, of course, try to be good in F1. I try to be good in whatever I do. But the desire of the Triple Crown or whatever, not interested.”
Sergio Perez, who won the Monaco GP for the first time, was also questioned about his interest in the Triple Crown. The Mexican driver said “no thanks,” as he was interested in spending time with his family after F1. Checo recently welcomed his third child after the Miami GP. He further stated that he had no interest in the crown. Moreover, the 32-year-old does not think that he will do endurance either someday. Perez added, “After I’m done with F1, I need to look to go back and look after my kids. I already have three. So yeah, I’ll be quite busy.”