Gunther Steiner: 'Fernando Alonso at Indy doesn't hurt Formula 1'

Fernando Alonso of McLaren Honda in the paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on April 28, 2016
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Gunther Steiner plays down claims that Fernando Alonso's Indy 500 foray this weekend hurts Formula 1.

Gunther Steiner has played down claims that Fernando Alonso's Indy 500 foray this weekend hurts Formula 1.

F1 chief executive Chase Carey has said that it would be better if the Spaniard were in Monaco, and Haas chief Steiner agrees that the big winner is Indycar.

"I think Fernando helps Indy more than Formula 1. But I also see no disadvantage for F1," said Steiner, according to Speed Week.

"I also think it will be a one-off, because let's be honest - why would anyone want to miss Monaco? With Fernando, it's clear why he did it, but it would be more difficult for an Indycar driver to prove himself in Formula 1.

"And let's say Lewis Hamilton wanted to do it - ask Toto [Wolff] if he would agree."

However, it could be a different matter for McLaren drivers.

The British team's new executive Zak Brown hinted that McLaren might be considering a full-time Indycar foray.

"[Indycar] is something that we're definitely going to discuss and [we] have met with Indycar, and are certainly interested in competing in some way, shape or form in the not-too-distant future," he said.

Alonso has failed to pick up any points in 2017 after a frustrating start to the season at McLaren.

Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner Gene Haas at a press conference during NASCAR Sprint Media Tour at Charlotte Convention Center on January 27, 2014
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3Red Bull72
4Force India53
5Toro Rosso21
6Williams-Mercedes18
7Renault14
8Haas9
9Sauber4
10McLaren0
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1Sebastian VettelFerrari104
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5Daniel RicciardoRed Bull37
6Max VerstappenRed Bull35
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10Carlos SainzToro Rosso17
11Nico HulkenbergRenault14
12Romain GrosjeanHaas5
13Kevin MagnussenHaas4
14Pascal WehrleinSauber4
15Daniil KvyatToro Rosso4
16Lance StrollWilliams-Mercedes0
17Marcus EricssonSauber0
18Jolyon PalmerRenault0
19Stoffel VandoorneMcLaren0
20Fernando AlonsoMcLaren0
21Antonio GiovinazziSauber0