Vandoorne Confirmed as McLaren Driver – Jenson Button Steps Back For 2017
After months of speculation over the driver, it’s finally been revealed that Jenson Button will NOT be racing in Formula 1 for the 2017 season and will be taking a ‘step-back‘ after agreeing a new two-year deal with McLaren.
Stoffel Vandoorne will become the new team-mate of Fernando Alonso for the 2017 season with Jenson Button remaining a part of the team as an ambassador and reserve driver, if needed.
This puts McLaren in a very good position, keeping all 3 drivers on their books and under a new arrangement which they’re calling an ‘innovative three-driver strategy’.
Ron Dennis spoke to the media saying -“There’s no reason why he shouldn’t come back and race in 2018. We’ll see where we are in a years time. Jenson doesn’t have the desire to race for another team, he’s been offered places from other teams and has rejected them.“
Following the announcement, Jenson Button spoke to the media to clear things up -“To be clear, I’m very definitely not retiring – I’m contracted for both 2017 and 2018 and I intent to work hard on the car-development side of things too.“
“I’m sure I’ll get behind the wheel of the new car at some point but I definitely need a break. Formula 1 is my life, there’s been a lot of things which I’ve missed out on due to the schedule and race calendar and I have no intention of driving for another team.“
There’s a lot of development going on at McLaren, the team are already working on the 2017 car and going through all the new regulations plus with the addition of a new CEO there’s bound to be more changes.
Many are seeing this new contract signing as a ‘backup’ for McLaren – if Alonso decides to walk away or if Vandoorne struggles, they have one of the most experienced drivers in their team.
Alonso has made his place clear by recently saying – “I will consider my future in F1 after I experience next season’s revised F1 car.”
There’s no denying that Jenson Button is one of the most experienced drivers out there – he made his debut in Formula 1 with the Williams team back in 2000 and after winning his world title with Brawn in 2009 switched to the McLaren team, winning eight races for the team.
Sticking with McLaren through the ups and downs, it’s nice to see he will still be a part of the team but on a more relaxed scale with the possibility of a return to Formula 1 in 2018.
The Formula 1 Girl
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