What is the Triple Crown of Motorsport?

Albeit an unofficial motorsport achievement, the Triple Crown of Motorsport remains a prestigious accomplishment for racing drivers.

The three single greatest motor racing challenges in the world across three different categories are merged to form the Triple Crown of Motorsport: Indy 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix.

It was once argued that the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship should feature in the Triple Crown, but more recent interpretations have replaced the F1 title with the iconic race in Monaco.

Triple Crown of Motorsport

Indianapolis 500

IndyCar's renowned Indianapolis 500, dubbed the "greatest spectacle in racing", is the 500-mile open-wheel race at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the United States.

In a grid of over 33 competitors, cars will climb to speeds in excess of 220mph across 200 laps as drivers demonstrate their grit and bravery in arguably one of the toughest races.

Speed and precision are vital to any driver wishing to prevail in the Indy 500.

24 Hours of Le Mans

It's the ultimate test of endurance for both man and machine.

Being fast is important, but not the only essential: just ask Ford in 1964 and 1965. Likened to a a “high-speed game of chess”, teams and drivers are tested on their strategy, teamwork and durability.

Each car will be piloted by three drivers, who must each factor in sleep at some stage in the race to ensure they're not the individual that lets the team down.

The weather can also be an obstacle for teams to hurdle. Despite being scheduled in the middle of June, Le Mans is prone to the odd heavy shower, which makes racing even more fascinating.

Monaco Grand Prix

The crown jewel of the Formula 1 calendar. It's the race every driver wants to win.

Arguably the most iconic track in existence, the Circuit de Monaco is one of the most glamourous stages but extremely unforgiving. Requiring millimetric precision, one small error could see a driver in the barrier.

Where Le Mans is a test of endurance, Monaco is a challenge where skill and confidence prevails.

Has anybody accomplished the Triple Crown of Motorsport?

Graham Hill is the only driver to have completed the Triple Crown.

The two-time F1 world champion triumphed at Monaco on five occasions, the joint-second most behind the legendary Ayrton Senna. Hill then won the Indy 500 in 1966 and completed the Triple Crown with victory at Le Mans in 1972, partnering Henri Pescarolo to victory for Matra.

McLaren is the only racing team to have completed the Triple Crown.

There have been several drivers who have triumphed in two of the three races. Fernando Alonso won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2006 and 2007 before securing two overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019. Alonso has contested the Indy 500 on three occasions but his best result was 21st in 2020.

Former McLaren and Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya has won at Monaco and Indianapolis, with only victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans evading him.