F1: Jenson Button Replaces Alonso For Monaco GP

Fernando Alonso will ditch the Monaco GP in favour of competing in the Indy 500, with retired Brit Jenson Button stepping up.

Published: Friday, April 14, 2017, 16:48 [IST]

McLaren has announced that Jenson Button will deputise for the team in place of Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix next month.

F1: Jenson Button To Replace Alonso For Monaco GP

Alonso's surprising move to race in next month's Indianapolis 500 has given McLaren with the opportunity to select Button back in for F1's showpiece race, just five months after he began a sabbatical.

The two-year deal Button signed with McLaren allowed him to take 2017 off from F1; however, included the clause that he could be selected back in as cover if one of the team's race drivers was absent.

"I'm thrilled to be making a one-off return to Formula 1 racing, and I couldn't think of a better place to make that return than my adopted home Grand Prix: Monaco," Button said.

"I'm looking forward to pitting myself against the unique racing challenge that is the Monaco Grand Prix. I'll drive the MCL32 around Monaco in the McLaren sim beforehand, and I reckon I'll be ready for the race after doing that.

"I'm supremely fit, having done a lot of triathlon training recently, so I have no worries on that score. And it'll be nice to say 'hi' to all my old Formula 1 mates too, and hopefully to give the fans something to cheer about."