A Deal is a Deal, Williams Tells Button

Button broke his silence this week in revealing to Autosport that he wants to remain at BAR next year because he believes that they offer him the best chance of winning the World Championship. This comes even though he has a contract with Williams for 2006.

And although Button has said he is hopeful that he and Williams can resolve the situation "like adults" to allow him to drive where he wants to, team boss Frank Williams has insisted that he is not going to let his man go.

"A deal is a deal," Williams told The Daily Telegraph. "A contract is a contract. I must explain that to Jenson.

"I have always believed that a signature on a contract is basically underlining a man's word given in honour. We have a proper and correct contract in place that will stand up to any examination."

Williams has also questioned Button's belief that his best chance of winning the title is with BAR.

"I keep reading he wants to be World Champion," added Williams. "Why can't he be World Champion with us?

"I understand Jenson's concerns about his team's competitive position and our uncompetitive situation at the moment. Teams go up and down. We shall be back, if not in the second half of this year, definitely next."

Williams' stance, allied to Button's belief that his contract with the team is not binding, makes it increasingly likely that the matter will eventually head for court.