Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

Button in Top Gear?

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As he endures a dismal 2015 campaign with McLaren, no one would blame Jenson Button for eventually seeking a career change.

According to several British newspapers, the former world champion is rumored to be in talks with the BBC about co-presenting its popular Top Gear program. Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans has already been announced as the show's principal host, but Button would undoubtedly be a tremendous addition.

Paddock pundits have speculated recently on Button's future, given his troublesome season to date and McLaren's own doubts as to whether to exercise the option they hold on the British driver's services for 2016.

Should Button effectively decide to retire from Grand Prix racing for lack of a competitive drive, the increasingly popular World Endurance Series (WEC), where Mark Webber found refuge with Porsche two years ago, would appear a probable destination.

Any involvement however on Button's part with the BBC's cult program would likely leave him with ample time to pursue racing endeavours outside of Formula 1.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.