Flavio Briatore, longtime Formula 1 influencer who is credited for discovering Fernando Alonso, hopes that Alonso does not return to the Indy 500 with McLaren.

Fully competitive with an Andretti car in 2017 before an engine problem, Alonso tried to complete his racing triple crown this year at the Indianapolis 500, but the full McLaren entry failed to qualify. It has thrown the entire future of McLaren's IndyCar ambitions into question, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown admitting it is unlikely plans for a full-season IndyCar effort are on the table for 2020.

Worsening the situation for McLaren is that Briatore has been blasting McLaren's Indy 500 effort.

"The Indy thing was badly organized. Very badly," Briatore said.

When asked if Alonso will try again for the triple crown with a team other than McLaren, the Italian added, "Let's hope."

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