How F1 drivers really feel about the Indy 500, including Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher never embraced the Indianapolis challenge

Hamilton previously said he had “zero interest” in competing at the Indianapolis 500 despite respecting the event and the drivers involved.

“I’ve got zero interest in doing the Indy 500. I think it’s amazing what they do, but it’s just not for me.”

Hamilton has consistently praised IndyCar drivers in previous interviews, although the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has made clear that oval racing simply does not match the type of competition he enjoys.

Michael Schumacher also showed little interest in pursuing Indianapolis during his Formula 1 career. Previous comments linked to Schumacher suggested his focus remained entirely on Formula 1 rather than exploring crossover events later in his career.

“First of all, it’s a step down from Formula 1, and second, it’s too dangerous. The speed you do that close to the walls, if you have an accident, there is no way a chassis can survive a certain way of having a crash.

“That means your legs can be heavily damaged or even further. And I don’t see any point in that. I have nothing to prove there.”

Max Verstappen has taken a similarly cautious stance in modern Formula 1.

Verstappen previously revealed he has no desire to race in the Indianapolis 500 because of the risks involved with oval racing.

“For me, I have no desire to risk my life there.”

The growing Formula 1 calendar has also made crossover appearances increasingly difficult, especially with the Monaco Grand Prix traditionally taking place on the same weekend as the Indy 500.

Fernando Alonso and Ayrton Senna openly admired the Indy 500

Fernando Alonso became one of the few modern Formula 1 champions willing to fully embrace the Indianapolis challenge when he entered the race with Andretti Autosport and McLaren.

Writing in The Players’ Tribune, Alonso explained why the Indianapolis 500 immediately captured his attention as part of his Triple Crown ambitions.

“I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to experience.”

Alonso later admitted the race itself felt intimidating because drivers spend long periods running inches apart at speeds above 220mph.

Alonso said the mental pressure of running side by side for an entire race created a completely different challenge compared to Formula 1.

“You are side by side for 200 laps, and that is scary.”

Even before Alonso’s appearances, Ayrton Senna had already spoken respectfully about the challenge Indianapolis presented for Formula 1 drivers.

Speaking in a historic interview discussing the Indy 500, Senna explained how difficult adapting from Formula 1 to oval racing would become for any driver.

“Every discipline must have their own experience. So if I have to go to Indianapolis probably have to start everything again.”

Senna still believed elite drivers could eventually adapt across categories, showing the deep respect many Formula 1 champions have always held for the Indianapolis 500 despite never competing there themselves.