Jenson Button looks set to replace Fernando Alonso at McLaren for the Monaco Grand Prix in May.
Alonso will miss Monaco to race in the Indianapolis 500, with full support from McLaren and engine partner Honda.
McLaren executive director Zak Brown says two-time champion Alonso's replacement is "not in place".
But there is no other serious option than Button, 37, who is contracted to McLaren as a reserve driver and will race barring unexpected circumstances.
The 2009 world champion retired from Formula 1 at the end of last season and has spent the winter in California training for Ironman triathlons, his long-time passion.
He signed a contract with McLaren last autumn that committed him to replacing any race driver who was not able to take part in a grand prix this year.
As part of that contract, the team also has an option on signing him to race in 2018.
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