Lando Norris won’t rule out Indy 500 participation, but names the race he will try first

29 May 2026 • 1:00 AM MYT
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Image from: Lando Norris won’t rule out Indy 500 participation, but names the race he will try first
Photo by Bryn Lennon - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Lando Norris says he wouldn’t rule out racing in the Indianapolis 500 one day, though the McLaren driver revealed there’s another iconic race he wants to try before taking on the famous oval.

After the Canadian Grand Prix, Norris travelled to the United States to attend the 2026 Indy 500, spending time with McLaren’s IndyCar team and soaking up the atmosphere around the event.

Speaking about the growing appeal of the race, Norris didn’t close the door on a future attempt — and even hinted at an eventual Triple Crown bid down the line.

Image from: Lando Norris won’t rule out Indy 500 participation, but names the race he will try first
Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Lando Norris still prioritises Le Mans over Indy 500

Despite his interest, Norris made it clear that he would choose the 24 Hours of Le Mans ahead of an oval debut in the United States. Speaking to The Athletic, Norris said he could never completely rule out racing at Indianapolis.

Norris added that he would want to test an IndyCar on an oval before making any decisions about competing in the race.

“I don’t want to say no outright,” Norris said. “It’s hard to say yes at the same time, because it’s just such an insane race and it’s so different to what I’ve ever done.”

“I’d want to try out an Indy car on an oval first,” Norris explained, referencing the very different racing techniques required compared to Formula 1.

Having already won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2025, Norris acknowledged the significance of motorsport’s Triple Crown challenge.

“I’ve always wanted to go out and do Le Mans, and I’ll probably always try and focus on Le Mans before I do IndyCar. That’s always been my way of looking at it. I had part one of three done,” he said.

Indy 500 visit highlights growing F1-IndyCar crossover

Norris’ trip to Indianapolis was another example of the increased crossover between Formula 1 and IndyCar — a trend that has grown in recent years, especially with McLaren now involved in both championships.

The McLaren driver spent time with the Arrow McLaren team while also experiencing the scale of the Indy 500 weekend firsthand.

Norris also acknowledged the differences between the two series, particularly the atmosphere and the level of bravery required to race on oval circuits.

Interest in the Indy 500 from Formula 1 drivers has continued growing in recent years as crossover motorsport narratives expand across multiple racing disciplines.

With Norris already holding one leg of the Triple Crown, any future attempt at Le Mans or Indianapolis would immediately become one of the biggest crossover stories in modern motorsport.

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