Jenson Button says it “is very nice” to hear his former team Williams describe him as “an attractive proposition” for 2017, as the Briton is keen to “fight for good results” next year.
With Button’s McLaren-Honda contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, it is believed the Woking-based outfit will promote reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne alongside Fernando Alonso.
The 2009 world champion started competing in F1 with Williams in 2000 and is now one of the most experienced racers on the grid. Claire Williams recently hinted at her team's interest in signing Button for 2017 should he be available.
"We would all like someone to say that about us, so that was very nice of her,” Button told Sky Sports during a joint McLaren/Michael Kors event. “I don't know what l am doing next year.
“I want to be enjoying myself again and be in a position whether l can fight for good results, whether it's a building year, a podium year or a winning year. That's what l need.
“Hopefully McLaren will be strong and competitive next year but I'm sure there are other possibilities as well.”
Button, who joined Woking in 2010, admitted he gave retirement some serious thought last year in the light of a challenging campaign.
McLaren-Honda’s noticeable progress this season has not allowed him to fight at the sharpest end of the field yet, but the 36-year-old insists he has been relishing the process of helping carry the team forward.
“I feel l am a big part of this team. After every race l am in the factory, debriefing, engineering and working with the aerodynamicists closely. I feel l am moving the car in a good direction. I enjoying it.
“That part of the job is really enjoyable at the moment. We are not winning, we are not on the podium so you have to look at other areas that excite you and they do.”
Scene at the Grand Prix of Europe
Grand Prix of Europe - Driver ratings
Silbermann says ... Ballrooms and having a ball in Baku
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
As predicted, Friday at the Red Bull Ring unfolded under clear blue skies but scorching…
Mercedes may have ended Friday at the top of the timesheets in Spielberg, but George…
The revolving door at Red Bull Racing may not have stopped spinning just yet. A…
A quick and determined Kimi Antonelli finished Friday’s second practice at the Red Bull Ring…
Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull…
Max Verstappen is laser focused on Red Bull's home Formula 1 race in Spielberg, but…