Jenson Button is still in the frame for a seat at McLaren next season according to racing director Eric Boullier, despite making it clear that the team are chasing Fernando Alonso among others.
The Briton admitted he was bemused by the delay, but Boullier hopes the wait will soon come to an end with a definite announcement before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
“I hope to sort out our decision on the driver line-up before the end of the season, yes,” Boullier said. “It’s true that it takes a bit more time than maybe we have to deal with, but it’s still on course to be before the end of the season, yes,” he confirmed.
Boullier says he understands it is a difficult time for Button and team-mate Kevin Magnussen as their futures remain uncertain, but he insists Button remains a candidate and he doesn’t need to prove his talent.
“I understand that he may not feel comfortable and he is obviously concerned about his future. But again, unfortunately, I’m in charge of McLaren Racing and we have to build the best for the team and drivers are obviously very important for our discussion.
“We know the value of Jenson and we know he is a world-champion-class driver and has been a world champion already. We don’t need him to deliver an extra job on track in order to save his job.”
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