Mark Miles: Luring F1 drivers to Indy is “not a strategy”

Although Miles was part of the discussions with McLaren, Andretti Autosport and Honda to facilitate the Alonso deal, he pointed out that there would not be an ongoing campaign to make similar crossovers in the years ahead.

He said: “I don’t think it’s a strategy for us. This happened in a unique set of circumstances in so many respects so we are not going to be following the Grand Prix series around and trying to poach drivers!

“I think more drivers will pay more attention to it and we’ll see what happens but, while there may be points in their career where it makes sense, it’s not a strategy.

“It’s happened with NASCAR as well, where a champion driver gets a chance to see how he can do in other championships, which I admire, It’s a very courageous act.”

Miles believes that Alonso’s choosing to race at Indy rather than the Monaco Grand Prix will still help Formula 1 in the US.

“We genuinely believe this is a win-win-win,” he said. “It’s great for Fernando. His stock in the States and his recognition is up, as is Formula 1’s.

"Everyone’s heard of Formula 1 but we only have one race [in the U.S.] at the moment and I’m sure they’re trying as much as Alonso is, in many respects, to take advantage of that, and good for them.

“And for us, obviously, it creates a chance to get the attention of a lot more fans. I think we have been insular over the years and I think our racing is compelling so I think we expect to spend more time promoting the series around the world.”