As the F1 circus prepares to gather in Japan this weekend, one rumour that is dominating the F1 headlines is that Jenson Button will be using this GP weekend as the stage on which he will announce his retirement from Formula 1.
There has been a lot of scrutiny over Button's future this year with talk that McLaren chief Ron Dennis is looking to replace him with either Kevin Magnussen or Stoffel Vandoorne in 2016, despite pleas from pundits, fans and even Button's teammate, Fernando Alonso, that the best move for McLaren right now is to retain the 2009 World Champion.
So what would the future hold for Button if he is to retire from F1?
Well it sounds like he wouldn't be short of work if he wanted to keep racing, with many people saying that he could follow former Red Bull driver Mark Webber into the World Endurance Championship.
Alternatively, there has been talk that the BBC are interested in hiring him to join Chris Evans presenting a new-look Top Gear.
And while serving a 2-race ban in 2005, Jenson proved to be just as well suited to the F1 commentary box as he is to a F1 car's driver's seat, so there could also be an opportunity there if he wanted.
Although it's only speculation at this point, if this really is the end, then Jenson can look back on his 16 rollercoaster years in F1 with his head held high.
15 wins spread across 3 different teams, defying all the odds to become a World Champion in 2009, and a drive in 2011 that will go down as one of the greatest individual performances in Formula 1 history.
Good luck wherever you end up, Jenson.
A Farewell to JB?
posted on 22/9/15
And yes, I'm fully aware of how silly that last part will sound if it turns out he's staying in F1, McLaren or otherwise.
posted on 22/9/15
Conceivably, he could follow Grosjean, as these new teams really do need at least one experienced driver to give them some useful feedback on the car. I think he'll still be in F1 for at least another year but I wouldn't like to predict with which team.
posted on 23/9/15
What McLaren have done to his career is criminal. It is sad to see a quality driver like him be treated this way when you have clowns like Pastor in a car.
I hope he stays, has a lot to offer, just wish it was a competitive team.
A world champion, won races in multiple teams and his title is worthier than any of Seb's as well in my humble opinion as he had the best car for half a season.
posted on 23/9/15
McLaren would be stupid not signing him up for another season
posted on 26/9/15
comment by The Hybrid Doos (U10416)
posted 2 days, 13 hours ago
McLaren would be stupid not signing him up for another season
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This! The converse would be true, McLaren would be wise to get rid of Button!
posted on 26/9/15
Yep. Boot out the one driver whose managed to glean any kind of performance out of the McLaren POS range.
Makes perfect sense.
posted on 27/9/15
So it's looking like this article was premature.
Ron Dennis has said today that Button and Alonso are staying for 2016.
posted on 1/10/15
I am delighted to report that this article was a complete waste of time.
McLaren have confirmed that Jenson Button will be staying with them in 2016.
posted on 2/10/15
Chandon McLaren Honda