Report: McLaren to make move for Kimi Raikkonen

McLaren are waiting in the wings and ready to make a move for Kimi Raikkonen, should Ferrari choose to replace the Finn at the end of the season, with Sauber's Charles Leclerc the frontrunner to be driving in Italian red next season.

McLaren have been forced to put together a contingency plan in the event that Fernando Alonso, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, does not sign a new deal.

Alonso has grown an increasingly frustrated figure in recent months, and after a third consecutive DNF at the French Grand Prix on Sunday, speculation is rising tht the Spaniard is ready to walk away and pursue his many other commitments, including racing in future Le Mans and Indy 500 races.

McLaren's reliability is a real factor and if Alonso does not see an improvement in the upcoming run of Grands Prix, he may tell the team during the summer break that he does not wish to continue.

Press Association reports that Raikkonen, who raced for McLaren between 2002 and 2006, is the main target to replace Alonso should he leave. Ferrari are keeping a close eye on the development of 20-year-old Leclerc, who produced a stunning qualifying performance in his homeland of France and eventually finished the race in 10th position.

It could mean a complete change of team for McLaren; Stoffel Vandoorne, who is in his second season, may come under pressure due to the fantastic potential of 18-year-old Lando Norris, who has shot through the ranks and is currently competing in F2.

Should Norris be promoted, they would want an experienced driver to pair him with and see Raikkonen as the ideal candidate, particularly given the previous history between driver and team, with his estimated £10m-a-year wages not thought to be a particular stumbling block.