adminLONDON. — Jenson Button’s Formula 1 career will continue into a 16th season following McLaren’s decision to retain him alongside new signing Fernando Alonso.McLaren finally announced their line-up yesterday after taking weeks to decide whether to keep Button (34) or 2014 team-mate Kevin Magnussen (22).
“I am very pleased to have been invited to do my bit,” said Button. “In fact, I am absolutely raring to go.”
Dane Magnussen remains with McLaren as test and reserve driver.
“Fernando and Jenson have started a combined total of precisely 500 grands prix between them — a mighty aggregate — and have won 47 of them,” said McLaren chairman Ron Dennis.
“I can safely say, therefore, that we now have by an order of magnitude the best driver line-up of any current Formula 1 team.”
Double world champion Alonso (33) was signed weeks ago after being persuaded to leave Ferrari.
The Spaniard’s capture is a big coup for McLaren, but they are unlikely to challenge world champions Mercedes in 2015. The Surrey-based outfit are starting a new engine partnership with Honda, with whom they won four consecutive titles between 1988 and 1991, but to expect a sustained title bid in 2015 is overly optimistic.
“I am joining this project with enormous enthusiasm and determination, knowing that it may require some time to achieve the results we are aiming for, which is no problem for me,” said Alonso.
Magnussen, who made his F1 debut in 2014, had appeared favourite to get the drive alongside Alonso, but a late change of heart swung the decision back in Button’s favour.
Button’s new contract is said by insiders to be for one year with a further year as an option. —BBC.
Online Reporter