Sport

Jenson Button to make F1 return at Monaco Grand Prix

Driver in ‘one-off’ return for McLaren due to Fernando Alonso’s Indianpolis 500 appearance

McLaren’s Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire
McLaren’s Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire
Fri Apr 14 2017 - 19:31

Britain's Jenson Button will stand in for Fernando Alonso at next month's Monaco Formula One Grand Prix while the Spaniard competes in the Indianapolis 500 on the same day, McLaren announced on Friday.

"I'm thrilled to be making a one-off return to Formula One racing, and I couldn't think of a better place to make that return than my adopted home Grand Prix: Monaco," said the 2009 world champion in a statement at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Monaco resident Button, who handed over his McLaren seat to Belgian rookie Stoffel Vandoorne at the end of last season while remaining under contract to the team, won the showcase race in 2009 with Brawn GP.

Honda-powered McLaren have endured a tough start to the season, with no points from two races, but slow speed Monaco could suit their car better and is also a track where drivers can stand out.