F1: Button Fuels Talk Of McLaren Switch

Formula 1

F1: Button Fuels Talk Of McLaren Switch

Jenson Button has added fuel to speculation that he could leave Brawn after Sunday's 2009 season finale if they are not prepared to pay him more...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted October 30, 2009 Abu Dhabi (ARE)

Jenson Button has vowed to enjoy this weekend's Abu Dhabi season finale, now that he is guaranteed the 2009 world championship.(Photo: LAT Photographic)

A relaxed Jenson Button has added fuel to speculation that he could leave Brawn after Sunday's 2009 season finale if they are not prepared to pay him more.

Following reports he has been in contact about joining McLaren for 2010, the new world champion told British newspapers he is not afraid of lining up in the same team as Lewis Hamilton.

"I have achieved what I wanted to in F1 and I want new challenges," said the 29-year-old. "There's no one on this grid I wouldn't go up against. But I'm not talking about Lewis; I'm talking generally."

Button scoffed at suggestions that Brawn cannot afford to pay him more because they have now burned through the money provided by Honda amid the management buyout of last winter.

"They have just won the world (constructors') championship, you know. There is a lot of money involved in that. But as I have said before, money is not the most important factor for me," the Briton insisted.

He confirmed that he has been approached by some of Brawn's rival teams, but refused to name them.

"It wouldn't be fair (to name them) as I haven't yet sat down and discussed the future with my team. We are waiting to get this race out of the way first," said Button.

He also took issue with boss Ross Brawn's comments that a new deal with Button is "99 per cent" likely.

"I wouldn't put a percentage on anything," said Button.

Button also vowed to enjoy this weekend's Abu Dhabi season finale, now that he is guaranteed the 2009 world championship.

Two weeks ago when he clinched the title in Brazil, the Briton admitted to enduring months of stress, but his first reward is a race at the impressive Yas Marina Circuit with his lifelong dream already secure.

"It's been a while since I've jumped into an F1 car and not felt stressed or a little bit under pressure," he said, before going second quickest in opening practice on Friday afternoon behind the reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton.

"The last time I wasn't thinking about the championship was my final race (for Honda) in 2008," Button added.

Watch The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix LIVE Sunday at 7:30 am. Eastern on SPEED

F1 RaceCast Online Now! Follow Formula One live online timing & scoring, practice, qualifying, race coverage, commentary and more on SPEEDtv.com!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SPEED Staff / GMM

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

F1: Grand Prix News Briefs
Williams co-owner Toto Wolff has denied reports that Bruno Senna…
F1: FIA Had To Disqualify Hamilton In Spain, Asserts Whiting
FIA race official Charlie Whiting says the F1 governing body had…
F1: Williams Denies Cigarette Caused Barcelona Blaze
Williams' team manager denies a rumor that the Barcelona garage fire…