Jenson Button: McLaren-Honda or nothing for 2016 Formula 1 season
Jenson Button has conceded it is McLaren or bust as far as his Formula 1 career is concerned and has no interest in joining any other team for 2016
With McLaren holding an option on his contract, Button is confident a decision over his future will be announced by the end of this month.
If McLaren decided not to extend his deal then he will call it a day after 16 seasons in F1, as switching to another team such as newcomer Haas holds no interest for the 2009 world champion.
"If I'm in F1, it will be with this team," said Button.
"I've had some tough times with this team, but I've a lot of respect for the whole team and 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 at the moment, it's still very young, our relationship with Honda and the power unit itself.
"Also, the direction of the aerodynamics with Prod [Peter Prodromou], it's completely different to every other McLaren, so that's young as well.
"This team will improve a lot over the years, it just depends on how long [it takes]."
Button insists he is far from frustrated at the ongoing situation, certainly in contrast to last year when McLaren failed to give him a decision until mid-December, and that he is "in a good place".
While the veteran driver and team may have endured a wretched season since the return of Honda as engine supplier, Button remains convinced about the potential.
"You look forward and you look at how many years you think it'll be before you're fighting at the front, because that's what we're here to do in the grand scheme of things," added Button.
"Fernando [Alonso] and I have both been world champions, we have that hunger for winning and that addiction to winning.
"This year's been interesting, because, to be fair, I've had Fernando as a team-mate which has been great. I've really enjoyed the year.
"When you're fighting nearer to the back, you've still got the challenge of fighting with someone who's very talented, has experience like myself in the sport.
"That's been a lot of fun, but obviously that doesn't last, that feeling. You want to start winning races very soon.
"I do feel that everyone's working very hard, at MTC and Sakura. They're not just waiting for things to happen, they're 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."
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