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Button may reject new McLaren deal

ESPN Staff
November 6, 2014 « Alonso: No deadline on 2015 decision | Money from new drivers offers 'step in the right direction' - Sauber »
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Jenson Button says he might turn down a deal with McLaren if the team eventually decides to keep him for the 2015 season.

Button, like team-mate Kevin Magnussen, is still in the dark over whether he will be retained for next season, with the team reportedly close to signing Fernando Alonso for its imminent partnership with Honda. The situation has been ongoing for much of the season and Button admits the saga has opened his eyes to opportunities away from McLaren and Formula One in general.

"Well, it's been going on for three months now, hasn't it?" Button said. "Initially it was like 'OK, what's that all about'. It makes you think about other opportunities, other challenges - in Formula One, in other motorsports, other sports. There's so much out there and so many challenges I'm interested in taking on."

When asked whether he would accept a new deal if McLaren offered him one now, Button said: "I don't know."

After two years without a victory at McLaren Button, who took 113 attempts to win his first grand prix, says he has reached the stage of his career where the only motivation behind signing a new deal would be the guarantee of a winning car.

"For me it is what it is. Am I disappointed? No. I'm disappointed I'm not in a winning car, that's what I'm disappointed about. I'm here to win. I only want to be in Formula One to win. I've been so many tough times through my career and I feel that I've given so much to the teams I've raced for, I've got a championship out of it, I've won seven grand prix with McLaren, which is awesome, I've loved working with them.

"The last two years have been tough; I'm ready to win races again. If I'm not winning races next year I don't want to be in the sport anyway. I don't want to make up the numbers anymore and just pick up points; it's about winning. Especially when you've won a world championship and won races, it's such an addictive feeling. It's crazy emotions you share with your team, your friends and the fans as well. I miss that."

When asked if he had decided what he will do next year Button, in what could be perceived as a reference to Alonso, replied: "No. To quote another racing driver: I'm very excited about my future. And the difference is I believe it and its true."

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