Jenson Button’s 16-year Formula 1 career could come to a close at the end of the current season according to various reports, which claim he’ll make an announcement at next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
The Briton has endured a tough season racing at the back of the grid, mainly due to Honda’s inability to get its engine up to the level of its rivals, meaning McLaren sits just ahead of Manor at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship.
Whilst Button is no stranger to racing at the back – he did so when he drove for the Honda works team in 2007 and 2008 – his career took a turn for the better in 2009 when Honda morphed into Brawn GP, turning Button from good to great as he won the title.
However it seems McLaren’s fall from grace is too much for Button to endure another season of, with the Telegraph reporting he will officially confirm his retirement in Japan next week.
It’s believed he will take up a seat in the World Endurance Championship, combining it with a career in front of the television cameras, either as a pundit or as a presenter of the revamped Top Gear, led by Chris Evans.
Fernando Alonso is expected to continue with the team, despite rumours to the contrary, with either Kevin Magnussen or Stoffel Vandoorne taking up the second seat.