McLaren confirms no full-time IndyCar programme for 2019
Zak Brown has confirmed that McLaren will not enter the Verizon IndyCar Series on a full-time basis in 2019 but could still return to the Indianapolis 500 next May.
McLaren made its return to the Indy 500 in 2017 with an entry for Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso aided by Honda and Andretti Autosport, leading the British team to evaluate a possible full-time programme for 2019.
Zak Brown has confirmed that McLaren will not enter the Verizon IndyCar Series on a full-time basis in 2019 but could still return to the Indianapolis 500 next May.
McLaren made its return to the Indy 500 in 2017 with an entry for Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso aided by Honda and Andretti Autosport, leading the British team to evaluate a possible full-time programme for 2019.
Despite holding talks with possible technical partners and exploring a number of options, McLaren Racing CEO Brown confirmed on Friday ahead of the United States Grand Prix that there be no full-time IndyCar entry in 2019.
"For the IndyCar Series, we've taken the decision not to compete on a full-time basis in 2019," said Brown.
"We're certainly not ready yet. We're very focused on Formula 1, so we won't be doing that in 2019. We do have a desire to do it as I mentioned before in the future.
"And as far as the Indy 500 is concerned, it's something that remains of interest to us. That'll be a decision that ultimately we take in the off-season. I think it's something that Fernando would like to do as well.
"Right now, we're still focused on Formula 1, and until we get a bit of fresh air, we'll remain focused on that."
McLaren enjoyed success in Can-Am in North America between 1967 to 1971 before further American triumphs followed with victory at the Indianapolis 500 for McLaren cars with Mark Donohue in 1972 and Johnny Rutherford in 1974 and 1976.
