It is debatable whether Honda and McLaren's smoke and mirrors bid has worked or not. For while Fernando Alonso's Indy 500 exploits have boosted interest in the event, and IndyCar, certainly among F1 fans, the bottom line is that the Spaniard's 'day job' has not got any easier while he was away.

Indeed, as Alonso was robbed of a possible win at Indianapolis by a Honda engine failure, the Japanese manufacturer was revealing that at present its MGU-H's are incapable of lasting more than two races... which means lots more grid penalties for Fernando and Stoffel.

However, the Spaniard, who did F1 proud on Sunday, returns to the sport not only $305k richer but also with the 'rookie of the year' award.

The award, which is voted on by the media, is based on a number of factors; the driver's skill, sportsmanship, accessibility and conduct during the month, and finishing position.

While the Spaniard rightly scored well in the first three categories, some in the media have said that Ed Jones, who finished the race third, should have picked up the award.

On a day the processional Monaco Grand Prix was put firmly in the shade, the thrills and spills of Indianapolis - where there were 35 changes of the lead featuring 15 drivers - proved the real motor sport talking point of the weekend and Fernando's exploits played a large part.

While at Monaco, the drivers played second fiddle to assorted 'celebrities', including the wretched Ant & Dec, at Indianapolis is clear the drivers are the stars.

Other than accessibility and overtaking, another area where the Indy 500 scored over F1 is the fact the prize money is made public.

Race winner Takuma Sato picked up a cool $2,458,129 while even Jay Howard, who crashed out after 45 laps and was officially placed last, picked up $200,305. For his efforts, Fernando walked away with a cool $305,805.

Last night Fernando attended the Victory Celebration, an event attended by all the drivers and their partners, and it was there he was confirmed as 'Rookie of the Year' which is understood to be worth an additional $25,000.

Next up is the Canadian Grand Prix, where the Spaniard can no doubt expect more penalties and more frustration.

Check out our Fernando's Indy 500 gallery, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Paul C, 06/06/2017 16:53

"Ed Jones has been racing all season and done pretty well. He came out far ahead in prize money beyond Fernando. Chilton & Rossi did well, too. But this was Fernando's first Indy race period. They really want him back. If being stuck with a dog F1 car like the current McLaren is a contract break, Alonso can return in good stead to Indy and do well with most of the top team cars. The Andretti team would take him back immediately, and Ganassi could even put him on a path to win both Indy and Le Mans. Alonso has won two WDC titles and winning another will not be as big as the mythical Triple Crown. Daytona isn't even out of reach with Ganassi or Penske. Look out AJ Foyt."

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2. Posted by The stogie, 01/06/2017 23:52

"Let's NOT get mesmerized by Fernando's $305K. In most other IndyCar races the decimal point is moved WAY over to the right!!"

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Alonso's $305k payday

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