Alonso will miss Monaco to race in the Indianapolis 500, with full support from McLaren and engine partner Honda.
McLaren executive director Zak Brown says two-time champion Alonso’s replacement is “not in place”.
But there is no other serious option than Button, 37, who is contracted to McLaren as a reserve driver and will race barring unexpected circumstances.
The 2009 world champion retired from Formula 1 at the end of last season and has spent the winter in California training for Ironman triathlons, his long-time passion.
He signed a contract with McLaren last autumn that committed him to replacing any race driver who was not able to take part in a grand prix this year.
As part of that contract, the team also has an option on signing him to race in 2018.
- Alonso to race at Indy 500 over Monaco
- Button disqualified from Ironman competition for speeding
- Go ahead for grands prix on British roads
Button tweeted a jokey reaction on Wednesday after the news of Alonso’s Indy programme was announced, asking: “Why do I have so many missed calls?”
Source: Jenson Button set to replace Fernando Alonso for McLaren at Monaco Grand Prix – BBC Sport
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