Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMcLaren

Button undecided on McLaren for 2016

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Jenson Button's Monza weekend was predictably on a par with McLaren-Honda's average poor track record this year.

Earlier this week, McLaren signaled their intention to keep the British driver alongside Fernando Alonso for 2016.

But when questioned after the Italian Grand Prix about his car's lingering underperformance and his own frustration, and its impact on his future plans with McLaren, Button offered nowhere near a hint of commitment towards next year's campaign.

"I think there is something we need to discuss away from the circuit in the next few weeks hopefully," Button commented.

Given his team's current muddy outlook amidst a relationship with engine partner Honda which appears more and more strained with each passing Grand Prix weekend, one could hardly blame Button for having second thoughts or considering alternatives.

The former World Champion believes he is in control of his own destiny however when it comes to extending his stay at Woking.

"Hopefully in the next few weeks we can decide, either way," Button concluded.

Haas F1 Team owner Gene Haas told F1i at Monza he is targeting an experienced driver to help the new team develop its car in its debut season next year, but will only take a driver from another team if they are "leaving a sinking ship".

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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.