Jenson Button insists he will stay in Formula 1 in 2016 only if it is with the McLaren-Honda team, saying a move to the new Haas F1 Team is not on his radar.
Despite having one of the toughest seasons of his career this season with McLaren, Button feels a lot of respect for the team and to Honda, and believes the project he is a part of in 2015 is going to prosper in the years to come.
“If I’m in F1 it will be with this team,” said Button to Motorsport.com. “I’ve had some tough times with this team, but I’ve got a lot of respect for the whole team and for Honda.
“I think this team is the team for the future. I don’t think there’s any point in looking at a smaller, younger start-up programme.
“To be fair to this team it’s very young still in terms of our relationship with Honda, and the powerplant itself, and also the direction of the aerodynamics, with ‘Prod’ [Peter Prodromou] it’s completely different to every other McLaren, so that’s young as well.”
Button admits he is looking at the future to McLaren’s prospects, and despite he and team-mate Fernando Alonso’s well documented troubles, still believes the hunger to win remains in both drivers.
“Of course, you look forward and you look at how many years it will be until you’re fighting at the front, because that’s what we’re here to do in the grand scheme of things,” added Button.
“We’ve both been world champions and we have that hunger for winning, and addition to winning. This year’s been interesting, because I’ve had Fernando as a team mate, and it’s been great. I’ve really enjoyed the year.
“When you’re fighting near the back you’ve still got the challenge of fighting with someone who’s very talented, and has experience like myself in the sport.
“That’s been a lot of fun, bit it doesn’t last that feeling, and you want to start winning races very soon. I do feel that everyone is working very hard at MTC and Sakura, they’re not just waiting for things to happen they are making things happen, but it’s a time thing.
“Who knows. At the moment it’s very difficult to know how long it’s going to take, but I’m a very positive person as I think Fernando is, and you hope for the best.”
