The Triple Crown of Motorsport is the ultimate test of a driver’s versatility, requiring victories in three of the world’s most prestigious races which are the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Indianapolis 500. So, who has won the triple crown of motorsport?
Only one driver in history has achieved this elusive feat, cementing their legacy as a motorsport legend. But who are the Triple Crown winners, and who’s come close? The Triple Crown of Motorsport consists of winning the Monaco Grand Prix, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Indianapolis 500. Graham Hill is the only driver to have achieved it.
In this article, we dive into the history, list every driver who’s won two or more legs, and explore why this achievement remains a pinnacle of racing glory. Whether you’re a die-hard motorsport fan or new to the sport, this guide has everything you need to know.
What is the Triple Crown of Motorsport?
The Triple Crown of Motorsport is an unofficial but revered achievement in auto racing. It celebrates drivers who conquer three distinct disciplines:
- Monaco Grand Prix: A Formula 1 race on the tight, unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo, demanding precision and bravery. Learn more about the Monaco Grand Prix.
- 24 Hours of Le Mans: An endurance race in France, testing stamina, teamwork, and reliability over a grueling 24-hour period. Explore Le Mans history.
- Indianapolis 500: A high-speed IndyCar race on the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, known for its oval track and intense competition. Discover Indy 500 details.
An alternative definition replaces the Monaco Grand Prix with the Formula 1 World Championship, but the traditional version (Monaco, Le Mans, Indy 500) is more widely recognized. The races span different series and require unique skills, making the Triple Crown a rare feat. Since the Indy 500 and Monaco Grand Prix often occur on the same weekend in May, modern drivers face logistical challenges in even attempting all three.
Who Has Won the Triple Crown of Motorsport? The Only Triple Crown Winner
Graham Hill, a British racing legend, is the sole driver to complete the Triple Crown of Motorsport. His achievements include:
- Monaco Grand Prix: Won five times (1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969), earning the nickname “Mr. Monaco.”
- Indianapolis 500: Victorious in 1966, overcoming a chaotic race with a first-lap crash eliminating 11 drivers.
- 24 Hours of Le Mans: Won in 1972 alongside Henri Pescarolo, dominating by an 11-lap margin.
Hill’s versatility across Formula 1, IndyCar, and endurance racing set him apart. He also won the F1 World Championship in 1962 and 1968, making him the only driver to complete both versions of the Triple Crown.
His 1972 Le Mans victory, at age 43, capped a remarkable career tragically cut short by a plane crash in 1975. Read more about Graham Hill’s legacy.
Drivers Who Came Close: Partial Triple Crown Winners
While Graham Hill stands alone, several drivers have won two of the three Triple Crown races, showcasing their versatility. Below is a definitive list of notable partial winners, updated as of February 2025:
| Driver | Monaco Grand Prix | Indianapolis 500 | 24 Hours of Le Mans | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Alonso | 2006, 2007 | – | 2018, 2019 | Actively pursuing Indy 500; best finish 21st in 2017. |
| Juan Pablo Montoya | 2003 | 2000, 2015 | – | Won LMP2 Pro-Am at Le Mans 2021, but not overall. |
| Bruce McLaren | 1962 | – | 1966 | Founder of McLaren, which also won the Triple Crown as a team. |
| Jochen Rindt | 1970 | – | 1965 | Only posthumous F1 World Champion. |
| Maurice Trintignant | 1955, 1958 | – | 1954 | Early F1 and Le Mans pioneer. |
| A.J. Foyt | – | 1961, 1964, 1967, 1977 | 1967 | IndyCar legend; only Le Mans win with co-driver Dan Gurney. |
Active Drivers (2025):
- Fernando Alonso: The Spaniard, a two-time F1 World Champion (2005, 2006), is the closest active driver to the Triple Crown. His Le Mans victories (2018, 2019) and Monaco wins make the Indy 500 his final hurdle. Despite attempts in 2017, 2019, and 2020, mechanical issues and a 2019 qualifying failure have kept it out of reach.
- Juan Pablo Montoya: The Colombian won Indy twice and Monaco once but has yet to secure an overall Le Mans victory. His 2021 LMP2 Pro-Am win doesn’t count toward the traditional Triple Crown.
Alternative Definition (F1 World Championship): For the version including the F1 World Championship instead of Monaco, drivers like Jacques Villeneuve (1995 Indy 500, 1997 F1 title), Mario Andretti, Jim Clark, Phil Hill, Mike Hawthorn, and Emerson Fittipaldi have won two legs. However, Graham Hill remains the only driver to complete this version too.
Notable Near-Misses for the Triple Crown of Motorsport
Some drivers came agonizingly close to the Triple Crown:
- Jacques Villeneuve: Won the 1995 Indy 500 and 1997 F1 World Championship but never Monaco. His best Le Mans result was second place in 2008. Villeneuve argues the F1 title should count over Monaco, a view shared by Hill himself.
- Jim Clark: Won the 1965 Indy 500 and F1 titles in 1963 and 1965 but never Monaco. His 1966 Indy 500 runner-up finish was controversial, with some believing he was the true winner.
- Mario Andretti: Won the 1969 Indy 500 and 1978 F1 title but never Le Mans, despite a 1995 class win.
Why the Triple Crown Matters
The Triple Crown’s allure lies in its difficulty. Each race tests different skills:
- Monaco: Precision on a narrow street circuit with no margin for error.
- Le Mans: Endurance, strategy, and teamwork over 24 hours.
- Indy 500: High-speed bravery on an oval track.
The scheduling conflict (Monaco and Indy 500 often fall on the same day) and the specialization of modern racing make it nearly impossible for today’s drivers to compete across all three.
Fernando Alonso’s pursuit, including skipping Monaco in 2017 for Indy, underscores the dedication required. The Triple Crown also carries historical weight, with McLaren being the only team to achieve it across multiple drivers (Indy 1972, 1974, 1976; Monaco 1984; Le Mans 1995).
Can Anyone Join Graham Hill?
As of 2025, no active driver seems poised to complete the Triple Crown soon. Fernando Alonso, at 43, remains the closest but faces challenges at Indy. Max Verstappen, a three-time F1 World Champion, expressed admiration for IndyCar but cited injury risks and a packed F1 schedule as deterrents.
Daniel Ricciardo, a Monaco winner (2018), has shown interest in IndyCar and nearly raced Le Mans in 2015, making him a dark horse. Young talents like Pato O’Ward, an IndyCar star with F1 aspirations, could emerge if given opportunities in F1 and Le Mans.
Conclusion
The Triple Crown of Motorsport remains one of the most prestigious achievements in racing, with Graham Hill as its only conqueror. Drivers like Fernando Alonso and Juan Pablo Montoya have come close, but the combination of skill, opportunity, and luck required makes it a monumental challenge.
As motorsport evolves, the Triple Crown’s legacy endures, inspiring drivers and fans alike. Will we see another winner in our lifetime? Share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to our newsletter for more motorsport history and updates!
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