• McLaren

No agreement in McLaren 2015 driver meeting

McLaren's 2015 line-up is still undecided after its Thursday board meeting failed to reach a firm choice between Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen.

Senior figures met at Woking's McLaren Technology Centre to end the protracted wait on next year's driver announcement, which has been ongoing for several weeks. Even though a decision was expected it appears the team is still deadlocked on the driver it wants to partner Fernando Alonso in 2015 after the meeting came to nothing.

A team spokesperson confirmed: "Today's board meeting has now concluded and no decision has been taken with regard to our 2015 driver line-up."

McLaren will be powered by Honda next season and its new engine partnership is expected to start with teething problems, such as the issues which restricted it to just five laps in the Abu Dhabi test. That means experience is key and Alonso is thought to want Button as his team-mate next year for that very reason.

On the other hand McLaren team boss Eric Boullier has been impressed with the fighting spirit demonstrated by Magnussen this season. Though Button outscored Magnussen by 71 points this season the team expects the Dane to continue to develop.

It is possible commercial considerations need to be made as the team bids to secure fresh sponsorship funds for its Honda partnership, with the team yet to find a title sponsor.

Button and Magnussen spent Thursday at a promotional event for McLaren sponsor Johnnie Walker in Edinburgh, with the meeting hanging over their heads. During the event Button, who has revealed an interest in driving in the World Endurance Championship in future, told the press he wants a speedy resolution.

"I think for all of our sakes it's better sooner rather than later. If I'm in Formula One next year it's an exciting challenge with the new engine and new era with the team. If I'm not, I've got other exciting challenges that I want to focus on so I wouldn't worry about me. But as I say, it would be nice to know sooner rather than later."

However, after Thursday's board meeting failed to reach a decision, Button tweeted his reaction - a blank face, suggesting the driver is as much in the dark as anybody regarding his future.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.