Ex-champion Button unsure of F1 future

02 October 2014 08:31

Former Formula One champion Jenson Button said Thursday he was not sure who he would be driving for in 2015 amid mounting speculation about McLaren's drivers.

Button was reluctant to discuss his future as he prepares for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix and did not know when it would be settled.

The 34-year-old Briton, who starts his 262nd Formula One race at Suzuka, said he was confident of being on the grid next season, but did not know which team he would be with.

Button is seventh in the world championship going into the race, 50 points behind Finland's Valtteri Bottas in a Williams.

Asked about his future, he told a press conference: "I don't know . As you know, I cannot discuss anything to do with the contract."

Asked if remaining with McLaren, which will be powered by Honda next year, was his only option, he said: "It's the best option."

McLaren have been linked with two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Spain and four time champion Sebastian Vettel of Germany, currently with Ferrari and Red Bull respectively.

They have also been linked with championship leader Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who like Alonso, is a former McLaren driver.

Honda, who powered McLaren to four consecutive drivers and constructors championships between 1988 and 1991, are keen to quickly return to be a title-challenging position next year.

But they said this week that no decisions have been made on the team drivers for next year.

"We are constantly talking about which drivers we would like to see and whilst McLaren is here in Japan it is only natural that we organise some meetings," said Honda's head of motorsport Yasuhisa Arai.

Meanwhile, Briton Will Stevens is set to join Dutch teenager Max Vestappen in making his Grand Prix debut in Japan when he takes part in Friday's opening practice with the Marussia team.

Verstappen, 17, will become the youngest driver when he joins the same session for the Toro Rosso team.

Stevens, 23, has tested previously for Caterham, but not during a Grand Prix weekend. He is sixth in the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 championship.

Source: AFP