Jenson Button looks set to remain at McLaren next season, despite yet another difficult race with the Woking outfit which saw him finish 16th, a lap down on winner Lewis Hamilton.
It’s believed Button was due to announce his retirement from the sport at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, yet no announcement came.
The Briton has not only become tired with McLaren and particularly Honda’s performance, but a major factor is his decision to quit was that of McLaren failing to communicate their desire to keep the 2009 champion in 2016.
Chairman Ron Dennis revealed that on Thursday ahead of the race, he sat down and spoke to Button to clear up any doubts he might have about their commitment and confirmed their desire to keep him alongside Fernando Alonso.
“Jenson has a two-year contract,” Dennis confirmed. “The only thing is I should have taken away any doubt over our commitment to him earlier than I did.
“I didn’t speak to him until Thursday. It would have been more constructive if he’d known I had no intention of exercising our option to terminate [his contract].”
Dennis admitted had he spoken to Button earlier, they might not be in the situation they are with regards his future.
“Tthese sorts of decisions are not mine and mine alone. They have to be supported by the shareholders, and as much as I hate consensus, I informed Jenson accordingly.
“I could have done it a couple of days earlier. If I had I don’t think it would have been an issue now.”
Meanwhile Button has been sending out mixed signals with regards his decision, but it’s believed the teams reassurance could be enough to sway him.
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