Alonso Indy venture 'unfortunate', says F1's Carey

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Formula One Group CEO Chase Carey admits he would have preferred to see Fernando Alonso race at Monaco rather than at the Indy 500.

The McLaren driver will be sitting out the showcase event in the glitzy Principality as he races on the same weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 'the greatest race on earth'.

"Under Bernie (Ecclestone), Formula 1 was a business that said no to everything," new F1 supremo Carey told the Spanish press this week.

"Now we want to say yes to many more things," he added.

One of those 'yes' answers was a tentative one to McLaren's Indy 500 foray, with Ecclestone admitting he would have campaigned against it.

Alonso's day at Indy: 'Faster, different and pure adrenaline'

Carey said: "I have mixed feelings.

"I would love to have Fernando in Monaco, driving a car with the possibility to win the race. But unfortunately, this does not seem possible in the short term.

"I understand his motives for seeking a challenge that motivates him and his choice is respected," Carey added.

"And it is also indirectly beneficial to us as a great F1 driver who reaches the American audience in a different way.

"But it is not an ideal situation," he acknowledged. "If I could choose, I would prefer to see him in Monaco.

"That one of your stars decides to make a temporary jump to another competition is not positive," said Carey.

"It is an unusual and unfortunate situation, especially for his team and also for us as organisers.

"But you also have to be pragmatic and constructive."

Gallery: Alonso's Indy 500 challenger

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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.