Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Button's F1 future uncertain as McLaren waits on Alonso, Vettel

Jenson Button's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, with McLaren standing firm it will not open talks with him until it knows what Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso are doing

Should McLaren pull off a coup and land one of its targets, then it will have to decide which of its current drivers will be dropped.

McLaren pushing to hire Vettel, Alonso

Although Button has world-championship winning credentials and was previously thought to be a no-brainer to keep on, team-mate Kevin Magnussen's form recently has impressed and the team may feel he is a better prospect longer term.

Racing director Eric Boullier admitted that situation was not clear cut, but said having to make such a hard choice would be a good problem to have as it would mean it has captured a big star.

When asked if Magnussen's strong run of form against Button was making life harder when it came to making a decision for 2015, Boullier said: "We are not at that point yet - but I hope he will make my life difficult.

"We need to think what is best for the team. It is part of the strategy that we may have over the next three to five years, so it is something we have to take into consideration."

The chances of McLaren getting hold of Vettel or Alonso for 2015 are very slim, which makes it likely that Button and Magnussen will be handed short-term deals.

However, until it knows its longer term plans, Button and Magnussen are being forced to wait and neither has even a firm offer for next year.

When asked if his drivers were happy to wait for the outcome of the Vettel/Alonso talks, Boullier said: "No. Everybody wants to know what they want to do next season and as early as possible.

"I understand this, but people need to understand as well that we went through a transition period.

"Ron [Dennis] is back, and I joined the team, and obviously there is a change that is being done so it is a rebuilding process."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article McLaren F1 team in final push to hire Vettel or Alonso
Next article Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes F1 team agree contract talks pact

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe