Jenson Button wants to keep freedom over F1 future

McLaren managing director Jonathan Neale told UK newspapers last week that the 2009 world champion, who signed for the Woking team the following year, could remain with the team "as long as he wants".

The forthcoming McLaren-Honda alliance has also been seen as strengthening Button's position given his history with the Japanese firm's last F1 programme.

But asked how he felt about the 'job for life' statement, Button said a very long-term deal did not tempt him.

"I don't want to think about the future too much at the moment," he said.

"You have to live the moment and I don't think trying to agree a lengthy deal for the future is something that is interesting for me.

"I have had 13 years in the sport and I want to have freedom and that feeling of 'if it doesn't feel right any more, stop'.

"For me that freedom is important in the future."

Button enthusiastically welcomed Honda's return, and said it was even better news for F1's future than for McLaren.

"I think for us as a team it is good for the future but for the sport as a whole it is fantastic," he said.

"Having another engine manufacturer in the sport is good.

"We have three very strong engine manufacturers and with the new regulations it will bring new manufacturers, Honda being the first."