Is Jenson Button on course for a Formula One comeback at the Monaco Grand Prix?

The door may have opened for Jenson Button to make a shock return to Formula One after former team-mate Fernando Alonso announced he would miss the Monaco Grand Prix.

Alonso has decided to compete in the Indianapolis 500 event, his Formula One team McLaren announced today.

His absence for the race in May means Button - who is under contract at McLaren in an ambassadorial role - could return for the race in Monte Carlo on May 28, although the team are yet to reveal who will take Alonso's place.

Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso in 2016. Credit: PA Images

Button raced in more than 300 Grand Prix during his sixteen year career, winning the F1 World Championship in 2009.

He retired at the end of the 2016 season and signed on to become an ambassador for McLaren with the option of returning as a race driver in 2018.

But Button is not the only West Country contender for the seat in the Monaco Grand Prix.

Bristol's Lando Norris, 19, was signed to McLaren's young driver programme earlier this year.

While an outing this early in his F1 career is unlikely Alonso's decision to miss out could mean Norris is thrust into the limelight sooner than expected.