Jenson Button refutes Niki Lauda claims over Formula One future

26 September 2015 11:31

Jenson Button has dismissed Niki Lauda's claim that his Formula One future hinges on a pay dispute with McLaren chief executive Ron Dennis.

Button has been coy about his whereabouts for next year after it was reported he was ready to call time on his world championship-winning career.

The Briton, who qualified only 16th for Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, signed a two-year deal with McLaren at the end of last season, but the second term is optional for both parties.

It has been claimed that talks with Dennis, absent so far this weekend with flu, have stalled. In response to Lauda's comments on the BBC, a clearly irked Button said: "That is not true."

Lauda, a triple world champion , also claimed that Button told him he wants to race on next term.

"We spoke as I was going for a pee and I never understand him anyway, so I think I just said 'yes' to be friendly," said Button.

"We did not really have a conversation as such, but it is nice that he has gone to the media and said that though."

McLaren's managing director Jonathan Neale appeared to drop the biggest hint yet that Button, who has been linked with a new career in the media as a presenter of Top Gear, as well as a move to the World Endurance Championship, wanted to retire at the end of the season.

Neale said: "If your driver doesn't really want to be in the seat, we have to respect that."

Button added: "It is nice to read other people's comments from the team - for once it is not just mine which are in the press - but nothing has changed."

Button, who has just six points this season, has never qualified outside the top 10 in Japan - a grand prix he considers as his second home given his wife Jessica hails from these parts and his association with Honda - but he fell at the first hurdle on Saturday.

His final timed run was scuppered by Max Verstappen's spin ahead of him and he had to slow down under the subsequent yellow flags. His first lap was also disrupted by a team error on his engine setting.

"The only reason that I get upset is because I am passionate and I want to get everything right and I know that we have to get everything right if we stand any chance of getting into Q2," he said.

Button's team-mate Fernando Alonso fared little better after he crossed the line in 14th. The Spaniard's future is also in doubt after his former Renault boss Flavio Briatore indicated he would leave McLaren if they fail to provide him with a winning car.

"I can definitely tell you that I will not go anywhere else," Alonso, who has a three-year deal with McLaren, said.

"I speak with him [Briatore] but there is nothing new. I am happy here, happy with the progress that we are making and happy with the challenge we have in front of us. At the same time it is no secret that we are here to win."

Eric Boullier, McLaren's racing director, added: "The team position is quite clear. Obviously we are happy with both drivers. We always say that we do intend to keep Jenson and Fernando, that has been clear. He will be with us next year."

Source: PA