McLaren driver Jenson Button using summer break to consider Formula 1 future
ByAutoSport
Updated 11/08/2016 at 11:15 GMT
McLaren driver Jenson Button is using the summer break to assess whether he still needs Formula 1 in his life.
McLaren's Jenson Button
Image credit: Reuters
Button is facing a crucial few weeks to determine if he wants to stay in F1 for an 18th season, move to another team, or leave altogether and try a different form of motorsport.
McLaren has already made it clear no decision on Fernando Alonso's 2017 team-mate - either Button or Stoffel Vandoorne - will be made until September at the earliest.
Williams, meanwhile, says Button represents a "very attractive" option, but the 2009 world champion is still unsure which direction he wants to take, and believes the summer break will play a key role in his thinking.
Asked by Autosport about the importance of the time off, Button said: "Formula 1 becomes your life and you need a break, you need rest.
"For the mechanics especially, they've had such a busy time in the last month.
"For me, I need the time to get away. I've done this job for so long - when it's basically been my life - so you need time away from it to realise whether you need it in your life or not."
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Brawn GP Formula One driver Jenson Button of Britain celebrates becoming the 2009 Formula One World Champion at Interlagos
Image credit: Reuters
It is why the 36-year-old still does not have answers on his future, adding: "I haven't made any decisions yet.
"It's been too busy. I'll have a lot more time to think over the new few months, but nothing's changed.
"It's still the same as Ron's [Dennis] comments two months ago - we won't talk until September."
While McLaren-Honda has made considerable progress this season, it still remains some way off pushing the big three of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
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Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are dominating F1 once more
Image credit: Reuters
There are no guarantees about who will have the edge when significant regulation changes are made next year, which is likely adding to Button's dilemma.
"I still enjoy driving the car, it's a lot of fun, but Formula 1 is not just about driving the car and having fun," said the 15-time grand prix winner.
"It's about winning and getting on the podium, and I haven't done that for a long time.
"So that part of the enjoyment isn't there, but I still drive an F1 car for a living, which is pretty awesome."
It looks likely Button will race next year, it is just a question of in which series.
"I still feel I'm young and excited about racing, and the challenge of racing and competing," he said.
"So wherever that is, I want to be giving it my all, and whether it's in F1 next year or it's somewhere else in the world doing another form of motorsport, I want to be out there for myself and for the team that I race for as well."
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