Alonso at Indy: Nothing but an ego trip - Wolff

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Mercedes' Toto Wolff says that Fernando Alonso's ambition of racing in next month's Indy 500 is about the Spanish drivers' ego.

Alonso will be skipping this year's Monaco Grand Prix to race at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway as he aims to add a second jewel to the coveted Triple Crown which includes winning at Monaco, at Indy and at Le Mans. A project instigated by McLaren boss Zak Brown.

Graham Hill is the only driver in motorsport history to have achieved such a feat, but Alonso believes he is in with a shot after rookie Alexander Rossi won the Indy 500 last year.

But Toto Wolff admits he is at a loss to understand McLaren and Alonso's decision.

"The headlines are good for motor sport," he told Osterreich newspaper.

"But from the team point of view, I cannot understand that McLaren does not use him in Monaco. He could definitely have scored points, although of course it's not a trophy at Indianapolis.

"I think it's about Alonso's ego," the Austrian said.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.