McLaren is rumored to be considering Kimi Raikkonen as a possible replacement for Fernando Alonso should the Spaniard decide to close the curtain on his career in F1 at the end of the season.
Last summer, the Finn's contract with Ferrari was renewed for just a single year, and all signs appear to point to Charles Leclerc moving to the Scuderia for 2019, leaving Raikkonen as a free agent for 2019.
Alonso has said that he would consider his future - which could include a move to IndyCar in 2019 - only after F1's summer break.
While McLaren is hopeful of retaining the two-time world champion, contingency plans in case of his departure must include an experienced alternative, with Raikkonen - who previously raced for McLaren between 2002 and 2006 - seen as a viable option.
Former McLaren communications director Matt Bishop, who worked at Woking for over a decade, believes the British outfit would necessarily want to take on an experienced name if Alonso decides to move on to other pastures.
But Bishop also see uncertainty ahead for Alonso's current team mate Stoffel Vandoorne.
"If Fernando stays then I'm afraid Stoffel is vulnerable because I think they might well decide to bring in Lando because that would be the perfect blend of experience and the rookie," said Bishop, speaking on Sky Sports F1 Report.
"If Fernando leaves, then that's the lifeline for Stoffel because they might want to keep him for consistency and continuity.
"Would they really want to pair Lando with Stoffel? It hasn't got that McLaren feel about it really, has it? That's probably why they are talking to Daniel, Kimi and others in order to bring a bit more experience in to the mix."
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