McLaren could turn to Raikkonen if Alonso calls it a day

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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.

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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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.