Although Jenson Button has secured a contract which permits him to race for McLaren in 2018, the British former world champion says he is going into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as if it is last race in Formula 1.
Button’s interesting contract with McLaren will see Stoffel Vandoorne adopt his race seat while Button will stay on as a brand ambassador and reserve driver, allowing the 36-year-old to take a well-deserved break from the sport and time to assess his next career move.
While speaking with Motorsport, Button said at the moment, he can’t imagine a future racing in F1.
“I got into this weekend thinking it is going to be my last race, that is the best way to be at this moment of time. Beyond this, I don’t want to be racing in F1 – that is the whole idea. I am just going into this race thinking it is my last, I don’t want to go in thinking it isn’t my last and it is my last. It is true I have a contract for 2018, but at this moment in time I am not going to be racing in 2018.
“The whole idea about having a contract is that in three months time, when I have eaten myself stupid and thinking of things to do in the future, maybe I realise I need F1 back in my life, but in this moment of time that isn’t the case – so this is my last race,” he asserted.
Throughout his successful career, Button has one championship under his belt (2009) as well as 15 race wins and 50 podium finishes. He has also become known as one of the sport’s best drivers in changeable and wet weather conditions.
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